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| 1 |
ID:
169346
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| Summary/Abstract |
The global space industry has recently seen a structural transformation through the emergence of ‘New Space’, i.e., a significant expansion of the development of smaller, cheaper, and more modular space-related products in services. One example of this expansion is the emergence of a world-leading cluster of New Space industry in Scotland (UK). Critically, this development is being pitched as a new approach to innovation ecosystem, which the players refer to as ‘Agile Space’, based on a consolidation of cross-sector competences within loose value chain integration. However, I argue, in particular, that the emergence of the Scottish New Space Sector is crucially linked to the Living Laboratories (Living Lab) conceptualisation of the innovation practices and processes within the Agile Space approach. Hence, this article maps the key features of the emergence and development of the New Space Industry in Scotland and analyses the key feature of the Agile Space Living Lab paradigm, before proposing a critical further research agenda suggesting several much-needed strands of enquiry.
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| 2 |
ID:
110522
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| 3 |
ID:
129424
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| Publication |
2014.
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| Summary/Abstract |
The level of development of women's entrepreneurship is an eloquent indicator of the level of business development in Kazakhstan. Currently, women's contribution to GDP in Kazakhstan is 40 percent and the share of SMEs run by women is 41 percent. According to the Statistics Agency of Kazakhstan , the proportion of small and medium business in the country's GDP is 17.8 percent. It is expected that by 2020.
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| 4 |
ID:
186492
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| Summary/Abstract |
Developing economies are currently projected to hold a major share of the global energy demand in the upcoming decades, giving them a key role in addressing climate change. However, new renewable energy investments in these countries have so far been relatively slow. A specific set of challenges dominate the investment environment in developing countries, including higher exposure to macroeconomic and political risks, uncertainties due to climate change, limited domestic manufacturing capabilities, and heavy reliance on foreign debt in capital investments. These factors tend to disproportionately affect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which currently hold a sizeable share of renewable and distributed energy technology investments. Not only does this impact the viability of energy transition, but also has important energy justice and local economic development implications – an overlooked subject in the literature. Using a rich, novel dataset and panel data methods, this paper estimates the effect of a set of key macroeconomic variables on the capital structure and investment outcomes of SMEs within the Turkish power sector. Our results indicate that unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, which lead to a significant growth in liabilities and increased risk of bankruptcy, can cause a slowdown in power sector SME investments despite the prevalence of subsidies.
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| 5 |
ID:
182754
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| Summary/Abstract |
This paper examines the short-term and mid-term impact of COVID-19 restrictions on SMEs, based on two waves of phone interviews with a previously surveyed large SME sample in China. The outbreak of COVID-19 and the resultant lockdowns took a heavy toll on SMEs. Afflicted by problems of logistics blocks, labor shortages, and drops in demand, 80% of SMEs were temporarily closed at the time of the first wave of interviews in February 2020. After reining in COVID-19, authorities largely eased lockdown restrictions in April. Consequently, most SMEs had reopened by the time of the second round of surveys in May. However, many firms, particularly export firms, were running at partial capacity, primarily due to inadequate demand. Moreover, around 19% of incorporated enterprises and 25% of self-employed businesses had permanently closed between the two waves of surveys.
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| 6 |
ID:
152288
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| Summary/Abstract |
This study examines the extent and nature of Indonesia’s SMEs’ participation in ASEAN economic integration based on a survey of 200 SMEs in the manufacturing sector. The survey shows that 79 per cent of respondents demonstrated awareness of the AEC. However, only 18 per cent of them were aware of the ASEAN Blueprint for SMEs. We found that 39 per cent of respondents think the AEC will increase domestic sales and the other 15 per cent believed it will decrease them. In terms of exports, 39 per cent of respondents expected their exports to increase in contrast to the 3 per cent who believed it they will decrease. Concerning their profits, 45 per cent of the respondents felt optimistic that their profits will increase, in contrast to the 13 per cent who felt they will decline. A large proportion of respondents were of the opinion that the AEC will affect them through: lower import duties (42 per cent of respondents); lower export tariffs (47 per cent of respondents); better custom procedures (42 per cent of respondents); better standard regulations (49.5 per cent of respondents); and improved recognition of professional qualifications (46 per cent of respondents). Our survey found a larger percentage of firms that did not utilize FTA forms (63 per cent) even though they were actively exporting, predominantly because of the lack of knowledge regarding their use. The Probit model showed a significant correlation between FTA use and export activities. There is also a significant positive relationship between FTA use and the probability of import. Furthermore, larger firms are more likely to utilize FTA forms.
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| 7 |
ID:
154535
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| Summary/Abstract |
This paper analyses the first stage of the Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR) programme, the guaranteed microcredit programme for supporting the development of SMEs in Indonesia. KUR is a partial credit guarantee programme that helps to fulfil the collateral requirement hindering SMEs from accessing credit. By gaining access to credit, SMEs are expected to develop while also creating employment and generating income for the poor and near poor. Based on KUR's loan disbursement, its number of participating banks, and its number of borrowers, this paper shows that the implementation of the programme attracted millions of SMEs. This paper then highlights the ways in which KUR has or has not addressed market failures in the credit market for SMEs. This paper also shows that KUR's role in accelerating poverty reduction is still questionable as there are many poor households unable to access the programme. Hence, the main policy challenges are: first, improving the design of KUR to reduce information asymmetry; second, ensuring that KUR meets its anti-poverty objectives by reaching the right sectors and the right regions; and third, strengthening the KUR Policy Committee's oversight and ability to coordinate across key stakeholders.
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| 8 |
ID:
152292
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| Summary/Abstract |
This study aims to investigate the participation of Lao SMEs in regional economic integration. Supporting SMEs’ participation in regional economic integration is important to increase their productivity and competitiveness. However, there are various barriers that prevent this from occurring. In this study, a Logit model is applied to secondary data to investigate factors affecting exporting behaviour and preferential tariff utilization. This study finds that there are weak linkages between Lao firms and regional economic integration. Very few firms are exporting and the level of preferential tariff utilization is relatively low. Firms have a low level of awareness of economic integration and they appear to be too optimistic about its impact. It is important that policymakers should provide training on FTAs to export-oriented firms and potential exporters, together with a wider promotion of FTA utilization through media channels.
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| 9 |
ID:
152286
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| Summary/Abstract |
For decades, Myanmar’s economic system has been characterized by central planning and international isolation. Today, as the country undergoes a far-reaching political and economic transition, it is leaving this past behind. For Myanmar’s enterprises, and SMEs in particular, the opening of the country’s economy and the intensification of regional economic integration through the ASEAN Economic Community brings both opportunities and challenges. It is in this context that the present study investigates the extent of Myanmar SME participation in ASEAN and East Asian regional economic relations as well as the challenges they face and the policy support they need for deeper integration. More specifically, this paper addresses the following four questions: What is the state of Myanmar SMEs’ participation in regional trade, production networks, and investment activities? What are the enabling factors and obstacles to SME participation in regional economic activities? How are regional and preferential trade agreements affecting SMEs’ activities and performance? And what are the policy imperatives to promote active participation of Myanmar SMEs in regional economic integration? To find answers to these questions, this study not only analyses existing secondary data but also draws on a new dataset collected by the Centre for Economic and Social Development (CESD) through a survey among Myanmar enterprises which focuses on the food-processing and garment sectors. It is found that, at present, Myanmar SMEs hardly participate in regional economic activities. They face numerous challenges such as: constrained access to capital and skills; limited investment in technology, innovation and human capital; minimal usage of ICT; and low awareness of regional integration dynamics. To overcome these challenges and reap the benefits of regional economic integration, enhanced firm-level efforts are needed while the government can provide support on various fronts.
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| 10 |
ID:
152289
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| Summary/Abstract |
Small and medium enterprises are prevalent in Vietnam. They are also the predominant type of enterprise in the three manufacturing industries surveyed: food; apparel; and wood products. These have been the emerging export sectors in the last decade. The survey shows that SMEs in these sectors are highly aware of ASEAN’s plan for SME development and perceive that the ASEAN Economic Community is beneficial to business. However, the share of SMEs that have business relations with firms in other ASEAN economies is small. There is also limited awareness of Vietnam’s Free Trade Agreements. The regression analysis reveals that foreign ownership and productivity are the two most important determinants of Vietnam SMEs’ participation in production networks. Product innovation, process innovation and membership in business associations also significantly increase the probability that SMEs participate in production networks. The analysis suggests that policies to develop SMEs, increase labour productivity, and intensify international integration will facilitate SMEs’ participation in regional production networks. Government can also craft policies to promote innovation, encourage membership in industry and business associations, and raise awareness of ASEAN’s SME development plans, the AEC and other business related issues.
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| 11 |
ID:
152287
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| Summary/Abstract |
This study aims to examine the extent and nature of Philippine SME participation in ASEAN economic integration. Based on a survey of 205 establishments, the results indicate that out of 205 firms, 41 per cent are FTA users, of which 48 (or 40 per cent) are SMEs while 33 (44 per cent) are large enterprises. The survey shows that although most firms are aware of the AEC (ASEAN Economic Community), they still have limited knowledge about the more specific impact of AEC on their business operations. About 62 per cent of SMEs are unaware of how the AEC would affect their business operations. Regarding the perceived effects of FTAs on SMEs, 53 per cent of the respondents indicated that they do not know, have no opinion or have no response. The major reason cited by firms for not using FTAs is they do not know how to use them. The regression analysis on the determinants of FTA use shows that the coefficients on firm size, age, exporting, foreign ownership, engaging in innovation, membership in industry association, and awareness of the AEC are all positive and significant. In terms of government support and assistance, the survey results indicate that only a small proportion of the respondent firms are being reached by existing government programmes. The results reaffirm the need for more substantial awareness programmes especially on how to use FTAs and how firms can take advantage of the opportunities arising from AEC integration and other FTAs.
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| 12 |
ID:
078526
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| 13 |
ID:
191326
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| Summary/Abstract |
This paper investigates the factors (such as different sources of financing, energy audits and internal monitoring activities) affecting the propensity of European small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt energy saving measures (ES). For this purpose, a Probit model is estimated using data from the 2017 Flash Eurobarometer survey covering a large sample of European firms. The analysis is carried out for the full sample as well as for clusters based on an environmental performance index (EPI) and on the level of economic development in turn. The results indicate that internal financing always has a positive effect on a firm's propensity to adopt ES. Private external sources of financing appear to be more important for Western European firms as well as for those located in countries with a greater level of environmental awareness; in the latter, when firms combine private financing with energy audits or internal monitoring activities the propensity to adopt ES increases further. By contrast, in the Eastern Countries this occurs when firms simultaneously rely on public funds and monitoring activities.
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| 14 |
ID:
152291
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| Summary/Abstract |
This study employs survey data of 201 firms to explore the impact of trade policy on small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in Cambodia. The results show that more than half of the surveyed firms were aware of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and larger firms tend to use FTAs more frequently than SMEs. The key reasons identified in the study for not using the FTAs were mainly due to a lack of knowledge and also due to the complexity on the submissions of the required FTA forms. The strong import linkages with ASEAN and East Asia (as compared to export linkages) suggest that Cambodian firms take advantage of sourcing for cheaper intermediate inputs from ASEAN and East Asian economies and then export the final products to the U.S. and EU markets through generalized system of preferences (GSP) and Everything But Arms (EBA) arrangements. The results of the survey indicate that the perception that the AEC has or would decrease their domestic and export sales as well as their profitability, and face more competition in local and foreign markets. On the other hand, they think the AEC has or would decrease import costs and enhance accessibility to intermediate inputs. The impacts are believed to occur through the reduction of import and export tariffs/duties, increase in custom procedures, standards and regulations, recognition of professional qualifications, improved investment processes, and better connectivity. The empirical results indicate that compared to non-users, the active FTA users appear to be larger firms, have higher labour productivity, and have experience with multiple export markets. They are also members of business associations and have higher skill intensity and technological capability. Firm size, higher labour productivity, access to business networks, active use of information and communications technology (ICT), having more experiences with multiple export markets, skilled human capital and technological capability are important factors for firms to use multiple FTAs and participate in regional integration.
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| 15 |
ID:
152290
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| Summary/Abstract |
Closer economic integration in ASEAN and East Asia presents many export opportunities for firms in economies such as Thailand. At the same time, it also presents them with many challenges. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) dominate the business landscape in Thailand but — like the country — are caught in a sort of middle-income trap. They face intense competition from SMEs in low labour cost, low value-add production locations in the region (such as Cambodia, China and Vietnam), yet they also are unable to transition into innovation, intensive higher value-adding activities (such as SMEs in Japan, Korea and Taiwan). Can Thai SMEs take advantage of the potential benefits arising from closer regional integration? This paper: assesses the role, contribution and significance of manufacturing SMEs to the Thai economy; examines the major challenges that they face and likely factors affecting their export participation; and identifies the policy framework environment in which they operate. An empirical analysis is then conducted identifying critical factors associated with Thai manufacturing SME exports. This uses Probit and Logit models based on data compiled for the 2015 ERIA-ISEAS Enterprise Survey of Thailand. Key results obtained suggest that foreign ownership of local enterprises, membership of an FTA, awareness of ASEAN and the ASEAN Economic Community and appropriately targeted government business support policies can most effectively increase the export participation of Thai small manufacturing firms.
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| 16 |
ID:
176737
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| Summary/Abstract |
The 2018 IPCC report states that all sectors of the economy, and actors at all scales from individuals to governments, must take urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are important actors whose use of energy, and potential for energy and carbon savings, are largely overlooked by current efficiency policy in the UK and EU. Using theory, empirical evidence and policy analysis, this paper sets out the case for increased policy focus on SMEs, and proposes ways forward. SMEs account for more than half of industrial and commercial energy use, however, the details of their energy use and the potential for savings is poorly understood. While energy end-uses are similar to those in larger enterprises, SMEs’ capacity for paying attention to energy and responding to policy are different, as are their decision-making processes. Designing and delivering effective policy for this heterogenous group will require strategic segmentation and targeted interventions, in turn demanding improved data. We set out a research agenda to address deficiencies in data and evidence, and propose a series of options for policy makers.
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