OECD SME and entrepreneurship outlook 2019.

Foreword
Acknowledgements
Editorial
Reader’s guide
	Background
	Contents and structure
		Chapter 1. SME structure and business dynamics: Recent trends and performance
		Part I. SME business conditions and policy responses: A cross-country analysis
		Part II. Insights on national SME performance and policies: country profiles
	Sources and resources
Acronyms and abbreviations
	Acronyms
	Abbreviations
		Country groupings
		Country notes
Executive Summary
	Enterprise creations have picked up, especially in services, but newly created jobs are concentrated in low-productive and low-wage sectors
	Innovation is key to boost productivity, and digitalisation offers SMEs new opportunities to take part in the next production revolution
	Digitalisation can also help SMEs integrate global markets and global value chains (GVCs)
	SME market conditions have improved overall, but there are risks on the horizon
	SMEs must be better prepared for the digital transition
	Government approaches to SME&E policy are increasingly varied
	Digitalisation is also a game changer for high quality public services to SMEs.
	These developments call for innovative policy action and a whole-of-government approach
Chapter 1.  SME structure and business dynamism: Trends and performance in productivity and wages
	Introduction
	The structure of the SME population
		SMEs account for a significant proportion of employment and GDP…
		…but with cross-country differences in specific activities
		Structures have remained broadly stable over time
		But changes are occurring at the sub-sector level
	Business dynamics and SMEs
		New entries of SMEs have been an important driver of employment growth in the services sector in most countries but size still matters in manufacturing
	SMEs and productivity
		Many new SME jobs are in low productivity activities
		…which weighs down on wages
		Decoupling of wages and productivity can exacerbate inequalities
		…and productivity gaps between large and small firms are growing…
		…but specialised high-skilled SMEs can outperform larger firms
	SME participation in global markets
		SME activity in international trade can help reduce the wage gap with larger firms
		…and SME participation in global value chains offers access to foreign markets and new sources of growth
		…and increase competitive pressures in local markets
		Digitalisation presents opportunities for SMEs to strengthen their performance in terms of growth, innovation and internationalisation
		But many SMEs struggle to seize the emerging opportunities
	Conclusions and looking ahead
	Notes
	Data sources
	References
		Annex 1.A. Developing new data
		Annex 1.B. Sectoral specialisation
		Annex 1.C. Enterprise creation rates
		Annex 1.D. Labour productivity of SMEs by sector
		Part I. Business conditions for SMEs and entrepreneurship and policy responses
Part I. Business conditions for SMEs and entrepreneurship and policy responses
	Chapter 2.  Institutional and regulatory framework
		Why is it important
		Regulation, institutions and recent trends
			Regulatory barriers to entrepreneurship and SME development have been declining
			But the quality of regulatory impact assessment is uneven, and ex-post evaluation remains largely underdeveloped
			Restrictions to competition have been lifted across jurisdictions, but globalisation and digitalisation pose new challenges
			In many countries, tax reforms have been enacted in many countries to spur growth
			But the pace of structural reforms has slowed in recent years
			Strategies to enhance civil justice systems have been widely adopted but progress remains uneven
			E-government services are being strengthened to improve public governance and deliver better services
		Recent policy developments
			Implementing a user-centric approach to regulation and policy making
			Enhancing transparency and efficiency in public services and legal frameworks
			Leveraging digital technologies and Big Data for better public administration and regulation
		References
	Chapter 3.  Market conditions
		Why is it important?
			Market conditions and the optimal size of firms
			Domestic market conditions
			Global market conditions
		Global and domestic market conditions: Recent trends
			Global economy: The expansion has peaked, confidence and investments are at risk.
			GVCs have lost momentum
			Digitalisation and concentration are reshaping markets
			Little progress has been made in increasing SME participation in public procurement
		Market conditions for SMEs and entrepreneurship: recent national policy trends
			Thinking global, acting local
			Levelling the playing field…
				… In product markets…
				… In public procurement…
				… In lead markets
		Notes
		References
			Annex 3.A. Market conditions, efficient firm size and market structure
		Notes
			Annex 3.B. SME scale-up dynamics
	Chapter 4.  Infrastructure
		Why is it important?
		Infrastructure capacity and performance: Recent trends
			ICT infrastructure is gaining reach and speed, but not without risk
			R&D capacity is increasing worldwide but in more concentrated and open infrastructure
			Transport networks have grown in density, speed and sophistication.
			Adopting a whole-of-government approach…
			… Working at subnational level…
			… Building smart cities
			Investing in infrastructure and strategic public-private partnerships
			Deploying interfaces and platforms
			Promoting SME access to network and knowledge infrastructure
			Strengthening international co-operation
		Notes
		References
			Annex 4.A. Fixed and mobile broadband: Substitution and complementarity
	Chapter 5.  Access to finance
		Why is it important?
		The funding mix for SMEs: recent and emerging trends
			SMEs have reconstituted their profit margins and internal financing
			Credit conditions have become more favourable as the banking sector has recovered from the financial crisis and monetary policies remain very accommodative
			Yet, SMEs have turned less towards new bank credits
				The use of alternative funding sources is on the rise
			Venture capital markets are expanding and evolving
			Digitalisation is bringing new opportunities for online SME finance
		Main policy approaches and recent policy developments
			A steady expansion of credit guarantee activities
			New approaches to VC funding
			Combining financial support with upskilling and assistance
			Seizing the opportunities of Fintech, platforms and blockchain
		Notes
		References
	Chapter 6.  Access to skills
		Why is it important?
		Skills, labour markets and emerging trends
			There are signs of continued skilled labour shortages in SMEs
			SMEs continue to offer fewer opportunities to upskill but are closing the gap with large firms
			Few SMEs support the acquisition of digital skills
			Female entrepreneurs and business owners have great potential but face barriers to acquiring skills
		Main policy approaches and recent policy developments
			Engaging SMEs in training and education
			Using technology extension policies and programmes to provide tailored support to SMEs
			Strengthening management skills in SMEs
			Creating an adaptive and entrepreneurial workforce
			Tapping into the potential of women entrepreneurs and business owners
		Notes
		References
	Chapter 7.  Access to innovation assets
		Whys is it important?
		Innovation and knowledge diffusion in SMEs: Recent trends
			SMEs are to benefit from the rise of new business models and practices
			Cloud computing is a pivotal asset for SME digital transition
			Data is the new gold
			SME participation in R&D remains limited overall, with large country differences
			SME capacity of building and scaling up networks is determinant for their growth outlook
		Main policy approaches and recent national policy development
			Accelerating the SME digital transition
			Revising national innovation policy support packages for SMEs
			Scaling-up business innovation networks and involving SMEs
			Opening and protecting data and innovation assets
		Notes
		References
		Web references (accessed 29 July 2018)
			Annex 7.A. The diffusion of digital technology packages
			Part II. Country Profiles
			Chapter 8.  Methodology of the country profiles
Part II. Country profiles
	Chapter 8. Methodology of the country profiles
		Purpose and structure
		SME structure and business dynamics
		Benchmarking SME business conditions: general approach and methodology
		SME access to strategic resources
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		SME business environment
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
		Caveats and caution in interpretation
			Annex 8.A. Data sources and definitions
			Annex 8.B. Policy sources and general references
		Annex 8.A. Data sources and definitions
		Annex 8.B. Policy sources and general references
	Chapter 9.  Australia
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 10.  Austria
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 11.  Belgium
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
	Chapter 12.  Canada
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 13.  Chile
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 14.  Czech Republic
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 15.  Denmark
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 16.  Estonia
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 17.  Finland
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 18.  France
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 19.  Germany
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 20.  Greece
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 21.  Hungary
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 22.  Iceland
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 23.  Ireland
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 24.  Israel
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
		Note for Israel
	Chapter 25.  Italy
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 26.  Japan
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 27.  Korea
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 28.  Latvia
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 29.  Lithuania
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 30.  Luxembourg
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 31.  Mexico
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 32.   The Netherlands
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 33.  New Zealand
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 34.  Norway
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 35.  Poland
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
	Chapter 36.  Portugal
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 37.  Slovak Republic
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 38.  Slovenia
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 39.  Spain
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 40.  Sweden
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 41.  Switzerland
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 42.  Turkey
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 43.  United Kingdom
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References
	Chapter 44.  United States
		SME business conditions and access to strategic resources
			Institutional and regulatory framework
			Market conditions
			Infrastructure
			Access to finance
			Access to skills
			Access to innovation assets
		References