High-growth enterprises (HGEs) have a prominent role in creating employment and economic growth. Micro high-growth enterprises, employing less than 10 employees before starting their rapid growth, are among the most dynamic enterprises in our economies.

Young enterprises are defined as enterprises that are 5 years old or younger. The share of young micro HGEs is roughly in the range of 25-35% of all micro HGEs. In comparison, among the micro enterprises in general the share of young enterprises is only about 15-20%.

Looking at different sectors, young micro high-growth enterprises are most commonly found in the Information and communication sector, Accommodation and food services, and in Administrative and support services. In these three sectors more than 30% of the high-growth micro enterprises were 5 years old or younger.

On the other end of the scale, less than 25% of all micro high-growth enterprises were classified as young in the Wholesale and retail trade.

Source: Eurostat, high-growth enterprises development project

The article on micro high-growth enterprises is part of Eurostat’s experimental statistics, which use new data sources and methods in an effort to better respond to users' needs. As these statistics have not reached full maturity in terms of harmonisation, coverage or methodology, they are always marked with a clearly visible logo and accompanied by detailed methodological notes.

For more information:

• Statistics explained article Characteristics of micro high-growth enterprises.
• Eurostat “Experimental statistics” webpage, section dedicated to micro high-growth enterprises (micro HGEs).
• High-growth enterprises (HGEs) are enterprises recording average annualised employment growth of 10 % or more over a three-year period. Micro enterprises are enterprises with less than 10 employees. Micro HGEs are defined as HGEs that had less than 10 employees at the beginning of their growth period.
• The data on micro HGEs have been provided by of 10 EU Member States (Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Croatia, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland and Sweden) and 2 EFTA countries (Iceland and Norway) who participated in this pilot action.
• Due to the pilot nature of this project and the limited number and size of participating countries, the results should be interpreted with caution.

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