SMEs and entrepreneurship
Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of every economy. In the European Union they make up 99% of all enterprises, account for the majority of new jobs created, and make an important contribution to achieving the European Union's goal of more growth and more and better jobs.
SMEs depend on entrepreneurs, the individuals who have the ideas and are willing to take the risks necessary to get a firm off the ground.
Many supranational organisations and national governments all over the world have developed a range of policies to stimulate entrepreneurship, inform and support SMEs and make life easier for small businesses in particular.
For more than 75 years Panteia (former EIM Business and Policy Research) has been at the forefront of research on SMEs and entrepreneurship in The Netherlands. Since 1990 it has also been a major source of information for the international policymakers, in particular the European Commission.
Topics dealt with are business development, the labour market, finance, education, internationalisation, administrative burdens, trades and industries, innovation and ICT, competition and sustainability. Regarding entrepreneurship studies are carried out in the field of born globals, women entrepreneurship, senior entrepreneurship, ambitious entrepreneurship and inclusive entrepreneurship
Already in the nineties for example , Panteia has been carrying out projects on SMEs on behalf of the European Commission in particular DG Enterprise and Industry, among others 8 reports of the Observatory of European SMEs. Panteia was also the main contractor for the cascade framework contract for the provision of Economic Studies in support of SME Policy development and implementation of DG Enterprise and Industry. Panteia is also one of the parties selected for the follow up of this framework contract.
Next to the European Commission, Panteia has carried out projects in the field of entrepreneurship and SMEs for the ILO and the OECD. Since the start Panteia is participating in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM).
Should you require any further information on aspects of SMEs, entrepreneurship and business development, please contact us. We will be happy to help you.