Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 99% of European business and are thus a powerful engine of the economy. SMEs, just like any other companies, are subject to change, but restructuring is often carried out with large-scale objectives - neglecting the specific characteristics of these enterprises. Eurofound, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions has examined the main challenges faced by these businesses to highlight the complexity of the i
- 16 May 2013
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 99% of European business and are thus a powerful engine of the economy. SMEs, just like any other companies, are subject to change, but restructuring is often carried out with large-scale objectives - neglecting the specific characteristics of these enterprises.
Eurofound, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions has examined the main challenges faced by these businesses to highlight the complexity of the issue to policymakers, particularly when it comes to plans and support measures. The Foundation has carried out a comparative research of 85 companies and presented the results to members of the European Parliament. The study focuses on various opportunities to restructure SMEs and suggest that policymakers rethink eligibility criteria and provide schemes for finance and a 'one-stop-shop' to support SMEs.
Overview report, executive summary & national reports with 85 company cases