SME Policy Index : Western Balkans and Turkey 2019.

Foreword
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Executive summary
Economic context and the role of SMEs in the Western Balkans and Turkey
	The economic context
		Recent economic trends
	SME sector performance in the Western Balkans and Turkey
		Growth in the number of SMEs
		Growth in employment
		Value added generated by SMEs
		Export performance of SMEs
	References
Policy framework and assessment process
	Introduction
	Overview of the 2019 assessment framework
		Methodological approach
	The assessment process
		Assessment methodology for Dimensions 1 and 8a
		Assessment phases and timing of the 2019 assessment
	Strengths and limitations
Overview of key findings
	Key findings by dimension
		Dimension 1: Entrepreneurial learning and women’s entrepreneurship
		Dimension 2: Bankruptcy and second chance for SMEs
		Dimension 3: Institutional and regulatory framework for SME policy making
		Dimension 4: Operational environment for SMEs
		Dimension 5a: Support services for SMEs
		Dimension 5b: Public procurement
		Dimension 6: Access to finance for SMEs
		Dimension 7: Standards and technical regulations
		Dimension 8a: Enterprise skills
		Dimension 8b: Innovation policy for SMEs
		Dimension 9: SMEs in a green economy
		Dimension 10: Internationalisation of SMEs
	2019 SME Policy Index scores for the Western Balkans and Turkey
		Part I. Assessment findings by SBA Dimension
Part I. Assessment findings by SBA Dimension
	Chapter 1.  Entrepreneurial learning and women’s entrepreneurship (Dimension 1) in the Western Balkans and Turkey
		Key findings
			Comparison with the 2016 assessment scores
			Implementation of the SME Policy Index 2016 recommendations
		Introduction
		Assessment framework
			Structure
			Key methodological changes to the assessment framework
		Analysis
			Entrepreneurial learning (Sub-dimension 1.1)
				The policy environment for entrepreneurial learning has improved
				Diverse partnerships are supporting entrepreneurial learning
				Entrepreneurship key competence is implemented in a variety of ways
				Young people’s business skills are being developed
				Entrepreneurship is rarely included in careers guidance and counselling
				Entrepreneurship in higher education is making little progress
				New initiatives are building awareness, understanding and sharing good practice
				The way forward for entrepreneurial learning
			Women’s entrepreneurship (Sub-dimension 1.2)
				Policy frameworks and partnerships support women’s entrepreneurship
				Co-ordinating policy implementation is still a challenge in the region
				Governments and partners are co-operating to create an institutional environment conducive to women’s entrepreneurship
				Policy makers are increasingly taking gender into account, but monitoring and evaluation remain limited
				The way forward for women’s entrepreneurship
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
	Chapter 2.  Bankruptcy and second chance for SMEs (Dimension 2)  in the Western Balkans and Turkey
		Key findings
			Comparison with the 2016 assessment scores
			Implementation of the SME Policy Index 2016 recommendations
		Introduction
		Assessment framework
			Structure
			Key methodological changes to the assessment framework
			Other sources of information
		Analysis
			Performance in bankruptcy and second chance
			Preventive measures (Sub-dimension 2.1)
				Mechanisms to help entrepreneurs overcome difficulties are underdeveloped
				Fully fledged early warning systems for distressed SMEs still do not exist
				The way forward for preventive measures
			Survival and bankruptcy procedures (Sub-dimension 2.2)
				Out-of-court settlements are available, but not automatically linked to formal bankruptcy proceedings
				Insolvency regimes have been strengthened in most of the economies
				Legal frameworks on secured transactions are in place, but some lack time limits for automatic stay
				Monitoring and evaluation of bankruptcy proceedings remain weak in the region
				The way forward for survival and bankruptcy procedures
			Promoting second chance (Sub-dimension 2.3)
				Formal bankruptcy discharge procedures exist in most economies
				Programmes to promote second chance among failed entrepreneurs are still lacking
				Entrepreneurs still have obstacles to overcome before starting afresh
				The way forward for promoting second chance
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
			Annex 2.A. An overview of entrepreneurial perception and attitude in the Western Balkans and Turkey
			Annex 2.B. The structure of the OECD insolvency indicators
			Annex 2.C. An overview of second chance programmes in selected EU Member States
	Chapter 3.  Institutional and regulatory framework for SME policy making (Dimension 3) in the Western Balkans and Turkey
		Key findings
			Comparison with the 2016 assessment scores
			Implementation of the SME Policy Index 2016 recommendations
		Introduction
		Assessment framework
			Structure
			Key methodological changes to the assessment framework
		Analysis
			Performance in institutional and regulatory framework for SME policy making
			Institutional framework (Sub-dimension 3.1)
				Institutional SME policy-making frameworks are mostly comprehensive with a good record of implementation
				SME definitions are aligned with the EU ones and consistently used
				SME data collection could be further improved
				Measures to address the informal economy lack co-ordination
				The way forward for the institutional framework
			Legislative simplification and regulatory impact assessment (Sub-dimension 3.2)
				All the economies have made regulatory reform efforts to simplify legislation
				Regulatory impact analyses are not consistently institutionalised or practised
				The way forward for legislative simplification and regulatory impact analysis
			Public-private consultations (Sub-dimension 3.3)
				PPCs are still not carried out consistently, despite formal requirements to do so
				More councils have been set up to facilitate consultations, but not all are effective
				The private sector mostly participates in PPCs via business associations
				Most economies have introduced centralised online PPC platforms, but they are underused
				Systematic efforts to improve PPCs’ quality and effectiveness are generally lacking
				The way forward for public-private consultations
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
	Chapter 4.  Operational environment for SMEs (Dimension 4)  in the Western Balkans and Turkey
		Key findings
			Comparison with the 2016 assessment scores
			Implementation of the SME Policy Index 2016 recommendations
		Introduction
		Assessment framework
			Structure
			Key methodological changes to the assessment framework
			Other sources of information
		Analysis
			Digital government services for enterprises (Sub-dimension 4.1)
				Most WBT economies have made progress in planning and designing digital government tools
				The implementation of e-signature is extending digital government services for SMEs
				Open government data initiatives are emerging
				Platforms exist for data exchange among public institutions, but are incomplete
				Monitoring of digital government services remains weak or non-existent
				The way forward for digital government services for enterprises
			Company registration (Sub-dimension 4.2)
				All economies have one-stop shops to simplify the registration process
				The process of simplifying company registration is stagnating in the economies
				The way forward for company registration
			Business licensing (Sub-dimension 4.3)
				Licence procedures are clearer, but lack a centralised approach
				The digital assignment of licensing officials is hardly practised in the region
				The way forward for business licensing
			Tax compliance procedures for SMEs (Sub-dimension 4.4)
				Only Turkey has a single replacement tax regime for SMEs
				Income tax simplification is available for SMEs in most assessed economies
				VAT registration and collection thresholds exist throughout the regions
				Additional tax incentives are available for SMEs across the region
				The way forward for tax compliance procedures for SMEs
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
	Chapter 5.  Support services for SMEs (Dimension 5a) in the Western Balkans and Turkey
		Key findings
			Comparison with the 2016 assessment scores
			Implementation of the SME Policy Index 2016 recommendations
		Introduction
		Assessment framework
			Structure
			Key methodological changes to the assessment framework
			Other sources of information
		Analysis
			Performance in business support services for SMEs
			Business support services provided by the government (Sub-dimension 5a.1)
				All the economies have included business support services in their SME policy frameworks
				Not all the strategies are based on proper training needs analysis
				Public institutions differ in the range and scope of services they offer
				Government services are monitored internally, but the results are not widely used to improve provision
				The way forward for business support services provided by the government
			Government initiatives to stimulate private business support services (Sub-dimension 5a.2)
				All SME strategy documents include measures to encourage private service provision
				Co-financing schemes for private business support services are available across the region
				The relevant public institutions in all WBT economies monitor their co-financing schemes, but only Albania benefitted from an independent evaluation
				The way forward for government initiatives to stimulate private business support services
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
	Chapter 6.  Public procurement (Dimension 5b) in the Western Balkans and Turkey
		Key findings
			Comparison with the 2016 assessment scores
			Implementation of the SME Policy Index 2016 recommendations
		Introduction
		Assessment framework
			Structure
			Key methodological changes to the assessment framework
		Analysis
			Performance in public procurement
			Policy and regulatory framework (Thematic block 1)
				There are multi-year public procurement strategies in all the economies
				Foreign bidders do not always have the same access as domestic ones
				Large procurement contracts can be divided into lots
				Late payments to contractors are regulated
				Participation conditions in all economies are non-discriminatory and proportionate
				Tender and performance securities are all regulated
				Joint bidding is allowed, with some economies stipulating how bidder groups are organised
				Subcontracting is permitted, although the share may be limited
			Implementation (Thematic block 2)
				Procurement opportunities are publicised free of charge
				Training in public procurement, including for SMEs, is available in most economies
				Public procurement offices all offer some support to SMEs
				Electronic procurement is allowed or required, but e-procurement levels vary
			Monitoring and evaluation (Thematic block 3)
				Most economies collect data on participation in public procurement, but not enough on SMEs specifically
				Independent procurement review bodies exist in all the economies
				Time limits for submitting complaints are mostly in line with EU requirements
				All the economies have time-efficient review procedures
				Submitting appeals is subject to fees, but they are not excessively high
			The way forward for public procurement
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
			Annex 6.A. Indicators for assessing public procurement policies for SMEs
	Chapter 7.  Access to finance for SMEs (Dimension 6) in the Western Balkans and Turkey
		Key findings
			Comparison with the 2016 assessment scores
			Implementation of the SME Policy Index 2016 recommendations
		Introduction
		Assessment framework
			Structure
			Key methodological changes to the assessment framework
			Other sources of information
		Analysis
			Performance in access to finance for SMEs
			Legal and regulatory framework (Sub-dimension 6.1)
				A solid legal framework for secured transactions is in place across the region
				Registers for security interests over movable assets are not yet sufficiently utilised to support the collateralisation of such asset types
				The coverage of credit information systems has significantly improved
				The banking regulatory framework has started to align with Basel III requirements
				Capital markets are underdeveloped but a regional solution might be more successful
				The way forward for the legal and regulatory framework
			Bank financing (Sub-dimension 6.2)
				Bank lending is slowly recovering, but intermediation levels remain below potential
				SME support schemes are available, but are often too small or cumbersome to make a difference
				The way forward for bank financing
			Non-bank financing (Sub-dimension 6.3)
				Microfinance is a viable source of finance for SMEs in some economies, but volumes remain low
				Leasing and factoring are gaining momentum as legal frameworks are strengthened, but market penetration is below potential
				The way forward for non-bank financing
			Venture capital ecosystem (Sub-dimension 6.4)
				Venture capital remains in its infancy, with the focus on building an adequate environment
				The way forward for the venture capital ecosystem
			Financial literacy (Sub-dimension 6.5)
				Ad-hoc financial literacy programmes exist across the region, but lack formal monitoring and evaluation
				The way forward for financial literacy
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
	Chapter 8.  Standards and technical regulations (Dimension 7) in the Western Balkans and Turkey
		Key findings
			Comparison with the 2016 assessment scores
			Implementation of the SME Policy Index 2016 recommendations
		Introduction
		Assessment framework
			Structure
			Key methodological changes to the assessment framework
			Other sources of information
		Analysis
			Performance in EU trade
			Overall co-ordination and general measures (Sub-dimension 7.1)
				The inter-institutional co-ordination of quality infrastructure is stronger
				The way forward for overall co-ordination and general measures
			Harmonisation with the EU acquis (Sub-dimension 7.2)
				Most governments have aligned their technical regulations, although regular monitoring and evaluation are often lacking
				Adoption of European standards is progressing, though mostly by endorsement
				National standards bodies lack funding and human resources
				National standards bodies are well integrated into European structures and co-operate regionally
				Education in standardisation is almost non-existent
				Accreditation infrastructure is solid and conformity assessment services have increased in priority sectors
				Several metrology bodies in the WBT economies lack resources
				Market surveillance activities have increased, but focus mainly on enforcement rather than supporting compliance
				The way forward for harmonisation with the EU acquis
			SME access to standardisation (Sub-dimension 7.3)
				Authorities are improving awareness of standards and their benefits
				SME participation in the development of standards is weak
				Financial support for SME access to standardisation exists but varies in scope
				The way forward for SME access to standardisation
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
		Further reading
	Chapter 9.  Enterprise skills (Dimension 8a) in the Western Balkans and Turkey
		Key findings
			Comparison with the 2016 assessment scores
			Implementation of the SME Policy Index 2016 recommendations
		Introduction
		Assessment framework
			Structure
			Key methodological changes to the assessment framework
		Analysis
			Planning and design (Thematic block 1)
				Better skills intelligence is being gathered, but does not always translate into policy design
			Implementation (Thematic block 2)
				Start-ups have access to more training, but it is not always tailored to their needs
				The emerging digital and green economies are opportunities for SMEs
				Smart specialisation strategies will highlight the need to improve workforce and SME skills
			Monitoring and evaluation (Thematic block 3)
				Monitoring and evaluation are too fragmented to inform policy design
				The way forward for enterprise skills
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
	Chapter 10.  Innovation policy for SMEs (Dimension 8b) in the Western Balkans and Turkey
		Key findings
			Comparison with the 2016 assessment scores
			Implementation of the SME Policy Index 2016 recommendations
		Introduction
		Assessment framework
			Structure
			Key methodological changes to the assessment framework
			Other sources of information
		Analysis
			Performance in innovation policy for SMEs
			Policy framework for innovation (Sub-dimension 8b.1)
				Policy frameworks are progressing, but co-ordinated implementation is lacking
				Innovation support activities in the region are predominantly funded by international donors
				The way forward for the policy framework for innovation
			Government institutional support services for innovative SMEs (Sub-dimension 8b.2)
				Institutional support services are expanding, especially incubators
				The way forward for government institutional support services for innovative SMEs
			Government financial support services for innovative SMEs (Sub-dimension 8b.3)
				Direct financial support for innovation and R&D has been scaled up, but its impact is low
				Tax incentives to foster innovation remain unused in the WBT
				Public procurement is an untapped policy tool to promote innovation
				The way forward for government financial support services for innovative SMEs
			SMEs and research institution collaboration and technology transfer (Sub-dimension 8b.4)
				Voucher schemes and collaborative grants exist across the region
				The infrastructure to link industry and academia is limited
				Poor awareness of the importance of an IPR regime is a common limitation
				The way forward for SMEs and research institution collaboration and technology transfer
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
	Chapter 11.  SMEs in a green economy (Dimension 9) in the Western Balkans and Turkey
		Key findings
			Comparison with the 2016 assessment scores
			Implementation of the SME Policy Index 2016 recommendations
		Introduction
		Assessment framework
			Structure
			Key methodological changes to the assessment framework
		Analysis
			Performance in SME greening
			Framework for environmental policies targeting SMEs (Sub-dimension 9.1)
				Environmental policies are increasingly mainstreamed into SME strategies in the region
				Policy implementation remains largely limited with almost no systematic monitoring and evaluation
				The private sector is increasingly involved in developing and implementing effective SME greening policies and supporting instruments
				The way forward for environmental policy frameworks targeting SMEs
			Incentives and instruments for SME greening (Sub-dimension 9.2)
				Advice and guidance programmes on SME greening are emerging and greening practices are being recognised and rewarded
				Financial incentives are rarely used to support SME greening in the region
				Regulatory instruments are almost non-existent in the region
				Public procurement is starting to be used to stimulate green products and services by SMEs
				The way forward for incentives and instruments for SME greening
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
		Further reading
	Chapter 12.  Internationalisation of SMEs (Dimension 10)  in the Western Balkans and Turkey
		Key findings
			Comparison with the 2016 assessment scores
			Implementation of the SME Policy Index 2016 recommendations
		Introduction
		Assessment framework
			Structure
			Key methodological changes to the assessment framework
			Other sources of information
		Analysis
			Performance in internationalisation of SMEs
			Export promotion (Sub-dimension 10.1)
				National SME strategies all include export promotion
				Limited staff and funds hinder comprehensive export promotion activities
				Export promotion programmes are widely operational but their uptake by SMEs could be further increased
				Trade financing support mechanisms for exporting SMEs are widely available
				Comprehensive and performance-based monitoring is largely lacking
				The way forward for export promotion
			Integration of SMEs into global value chains (Sub-dimension 10.2)
				Supplier quality in the WBT economies is seen as lower than in EU or OECD economies
				Economies have started to take a more strategic approach to integrating SMEs into global value chains
				The implementation of plans has not always followed suit
				Cluster development is increasingly being supported
				Monitoring and evaluation of programmes for GVC integration is sorely lacking
				The way forward for integration into global value chains
			Promoting the use of e-commerce (Sub-dimension 10.3)
				The use of e-commerce in WBT economies lags behind the EU
				Legal frameworks for e-commerce are in place, but it’s early days for building digital trust
				Implementation of e-commerce promotion programmes is patchy
				The way forward for promoting the use of e-commerce
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
			Annex 12.A. Trade facilitation performance
			Part II. Small Business Act assessment:  Western Balkans and Turkey profiles
Part II. Small Business Act assessment: Western Balkans and Turkey profiles
	Chapter 13.  Albania: Small Business Act profile
		Key findings
			Priority areas
		Economic context and role of SMEs
			Economic overview
			Business environment trends
			EU accession process
				EU financial support
			SMEs in the national economy
		Assessment and recommendations
			Process
			Scoring approach
		Entrepreneurial learning and women’s entrepreneurship (Dimension 1)
			State of play and key developments
				Entrepreneurial learning
				Women’s entrepreneurship
			The way forward for Dimension 1
		Bankruptcy and second chance for SMEs (Dimension 2)
			State of play and key developments
				Preventive measures and bankruptcy procedures
				Promoting second chance
			The way forward for Dimension 2
		Institutional and regulatory framework for SME policy making (Dimension 3)
			State of play and key developments
				Institutional framework
				Legislative simplification and regulatory impact analysis
				Public-private consultations
			The way forward for Dimension 3
		Operational environment for SMEs (Dimension 4)
			State of play and key developments
				Digital government services for enterprises
				Business registration and licensing
				Tax compliance procedures for SMEs
			The way forward for Dimension 4
		Support services for SMEs (Dimension 5a)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 5a
		Public procurement (Dimension 5b)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 5b
		Access to finance for SMEs (Dimension 6)
			State of play and key developments
				Legal and regulatory framework
				Sources of external finance for SMEs (bank financing, non-bank financing and venture capital)
				Financial literacy
			The way forward for Dimension 6
		Standards and technical regulations (Dimension 7)
			State of play and key developments
				Overall co-ordination and general measures
				Harmonisation with the EU acquis
				SME access to standardisation
			The way forward for Dimension 7
		Enterprise skills (Dimension 8a)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 8a
		Innovation policy for SMEs (Dimension 8b)
			State of play and key developments
				Policy framework for innovation
				Government institutional support services for innovative SMEs
				Government financial support services for innovative SMEs
				SME and research institution collaboration and technology transfer
			The way forward for Dimension 8b
		SMEs in a green economy (Dimension 9)
			State of play and key developments
				Framework for environmental policies targeting SMEs
				Incentives and instruments for SME greening
			The way forward for Dimension 9
		Internationalisation of SMEs (Dimension 10)
			State of play and key developments
				Export promotion
				Integration of SMEs into global value chains
				Promoting the use of e-commerce
			The way forward for Dimension 10
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
		Further reading
	Chapter 14.  Bosnia and Herzegovina: Small Business Act profile
		Key findings
			Priority areas
		Economic context and role of SMEs
			Economic overview
			Business environment trends
			EU accession process
				EU financial support
			SMEs in the national economy
		Assessment and recommendations
			Process
			Scoring approach
		Entrepreneurial learning and women’s entrepreneurship (Dimension 1)
			State of play and key developments
				Entrepreneurial learning
				Women’s entrepreneurship
			The way forward for Dimension 1
		Bankruptcy and second chance for SMEs (Dimension 2)
			State of play and key developments
				Preventive measures and bankruptcy procedures
				Promoting second chance
			The way forward for Dimension 2
		Institutional and regulatory framework for SME policy making (Dimension 3)
			State of play and key developments
				Institutional framework
				Legislative simplification and regulatory impact analysis
				Public-private consultations
			The way forward for Dimension 3
		Operational environment for SMEs (Dimension 4)
			State of play and key developments
				Digital government services for enterprises
				Business registration and licensing
				Tax compliance procedures for SMEs
			The way forward for Dimension 4
		Support services for SMEs (Dimension 5a)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 5a
		Public procurement (Dimension 5b)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 5b
		Access to finance for SMEs (Dimension 6)
			State of play and key developments
				Legal and regulatory framework
				Sources of external finance for SMEs (bank financing, non-bank financing and venture capital)
				Financial literacy
			The way forward for Dimension 6
		Standards and technical regulations (Dimension 7)
			State of play and key developments
				Overall co-ordination and general measures
				Harmonisation with the EU acquis
				SME access to standardisation
			The way forward for Dimension 7
		Enterprise skills (Dimension 8a)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 8a
		Innovation policy for SMEs (Dimension 8b)
			State of play and key developments
				Policy framework for innovation
				Government institutional support services for innovative SMEs
				Government financial support services for innovative SMEs
				SME and research institution collaboration and technology transfer
			The way forward for Dimension 8b
		SMEs in a green economy (Dimension 9)
			State of play and key developments
				Framework for environmental policies targeting SMEs
				Incentives and instruments for SME greening
			The way forward for Dimension 9
		Internationalisation of SMEs (Dimension 10)
			State of play and key developments
				Export promotion
				Integration of SMEs into global value chains
				Promoting the use of e-commerce
			The way forward for Dimension 10
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
		Further reading
	Chapter 15.  Kosovo: Small Business Act profile
		Key findings
			Priority areas
		Economic context and role of SMEs
			Economic overview
			Business environment trends
			EU accession process
				EU financial support
			SMEs in the national economy
		Assessment and recommendations
			Process
			Scoring approach
		Entrepreneurial learning and women’s entrepreneurship (Dimension 1)
			State of play and key developments
				Entrepreneurial learning
				Women’s entrepreneurship
			The way forward for Dimension 1
		Bankruptcy and second chance (Dimension 2)
			State of play and key developments
				Preventive measures and bankruptcy procedures
				Promoting second chance
			The way forward for Dimension 2
		Institutional and regulatory framework for SME policy making (Dimension 3)
			State of play and key developments
				Institutional framework
				Legislative simplification and regulatory impact analysis
				Public-private consultations
			The way forward for Dimension 3
		Operational environment for SMEs (Dimension 4)
			State of play and key developments
				Business registration and licensing
				Tax compliance procedures for SMEs
			The way forward for Dimension 4
		Support services for SMEs (Dimension 5a)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 5a
		Public procurement (Dimension 5b)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 5b
		Access to finance for SMEs (Dimension 6)
			State of play and key developments
				Legal and regulatory framework
				Sources of external finance for SMEs (bank financing, non-bank financing and venture capital)
				Financial literacy
			The way forward for Dimension 6
		Standards and technical regulations (Dimension 7)
			State of play and key developments
				Overall co-ordination and general measures
				Harmonisation with the EU acquis
				SMEs’ access to standardisation
			The way forward for Dimension 7
		Enterprise skills (Dimension 8a)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 8a
		Innovation policy for SMEs (Dimension 8b)
			State of play and key developments
				Policy framework for innovation
				Government institutional support services for innovative SMEs
				Government financial support services for innovative SMEs
				SME and research institution collaboration and technology transfer
				The way forward for Dimension 8b
		SMEs in a green economy (Dimension 9)
			State of play and key developments
				Framework for environmental policies targeting SMEs
				Incentives and instruments for SME greening
			The way forward for Dimension 9
		Internationalisation of SMEs (Dimension 10)
			State of play and key developments
				Export promotion
				Integration of SMEs into global value chains
				Promoting the use of e-commerce
			The way forward for Dimension 10
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
		Further reading
	Chapter 16.  Montenegro: Small Business Act profile
		Key findings
			Priority areas
		Economic context and role of SMEs
			Economic overview
			Business environment trends
			EU accession process
				EU financial support
			SMEs in the national economy
		Assessment and recommendations
			Process
			Scoring approach
		Entrepreneurial learning and women’s entrepreneurship (Dimension 1)
			State of play and key developments
				Entrepreneurial learning
				Women’s entrepreneurship
			The way forward for Dimension 1
		Bankruptcy and second chance for SMEs (Dimension 2)
			State of play and key developments
				Preventive measures and bankruptcy procedures
				Promoting second chance
			The way forward for Dimension 2
		Institutional and regulatory framework for SME policy making (Dimension 3)
			State of play and key developments
				Institutional framework
				Legislative simplification and regulatory impact analysis
				Public-private consultations
			The way forward for Dimension 3
		Operational environment (Dimension 4)
			State of play and key developments
				Digital government services for enterprises
				Business registration and licensing
				Tax compliance procedures for SMEs
			The way forward for Dimension 4
		Support services for SMEs (Dimension 5a)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 5a
		Public procurement (Dimension 5b)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 5b
		Access to finance for SMEs (Dimension 6)
			State of play and key developments
				Legal and regulatory framework
				Sources of external finance for SMEs (bank financing, non-bank financing and venture capital)
				Financial literacy
			The way forward for Dimension 6
		Standards and technical regulations (Dimension 7)
			State of play and key developments
				Overall co-ordination and general measures
				Harmonisation with the EU acquis
				SME access to standardisation
			The way forward for Dimension 7
		Enterprise skills (Dimension 8a)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 8a
		Innovation policy for SMEs (Dimension 8b)
			State of play and key developments
				Policy framework for innovation
				Government institutional support services for innovative SMEs
				Government financial support services for innovative SMEs
				SME and research institution collaboration and technology transfer
			The way forward for Dimension 8b
		SMEs in a green economy (Dimension 9)
			State of play and key developments
				Framework for environmental policies targeting SMEs
				Incentives and instruments for SME greening
			The way forward for Dimension 9
		Internationalisation of SMEs (Dimension 10)
			State of play and key developments
				Export promotion
				Integration of SMEs into global value chains
				Promoting the use of e-commerce
			The way forward for Dimension 10
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
		Further reading
	Chapter 17.  North Macedonia: Small Business Act profile
		Key findings
			Priority areas
		Economic context and role of SMEs
			Economic overview
			Business environment trends
			EU accession process
				EU financial support
			SMEs in the national economy
		Assessment and Recommendations
			Process
			Scoring approach
		Entrepreneurial learning and women’s entrepreneurship (Dimension 1)
			State of play and key developments
				Entrepreneurial learning
				Women’s entrepreneurship
			The way forward for Dimension 1
		Bankruptcy and second chance for SMEs (Dimension 2)
			State of play and key developments
				Preventive measures and bankruptcy procedures
				Promoting second chance
			The way forward for Dimension 2
		Institutional and regulatory framework for SME policy making (Dimension 3)
			State of play and key developments
				Institutional framework
				Legislative simplification and regulatory impact analysis
				Public-private consultations
			The way forward for Dimension 3
		Operational environment for SMEs (Dimension 4)
			State of play and key developments
				Digital government services for enterprises
				Business registration and licensing
				Tax compliance procedures for SMEs
			The way forward for Dimension 4
		Support services for SMEs (Dimension 5a)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 5a
		Public procurement (Dimension 5b)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 5b
		Access to finance for SMEs (Dimension 6)
			State of play and key developments
				Legal and regulatory framework
				Sources of external finance for SMEs (bank financing, non-bank financing and venture capital)
				Financial literacy
			The way forward for Dimension 6
		Standards and technical regulations (Dimension 7)
			State of play and key developments
				Overall co-ordination and general measures
				Harmonisation with the EU acquis
				SME access to standardisation
			The way forward for Dimension 7
		Enterprise skills (Dimension 8a)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 8a
		Innovation policy for SMEs (Dimension 8b)
			State of play and key developments
				Policy framework for innovation
				Government institutional support services for innovative SMEs
				Government financial support services for innovative SMEs
				SME and research institution collaboration and technology transfer
			The way forward for Dimension 8b
		SMEs in a green economy (Dimension 9)
			State of play and key developments
				Framework for environmental policies targeting SMEs
				Incentives and instruments for SME greening
			The way forward for Dimension 9
		Internationalisation of SMEs (Dimension 10)
			State of play and key developments
				Export promotion
				Integration of SMEs into global value chains
				Promoting the use of e-commerce
			The way forward for Dimension 10
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
		Further reading
	Chapter 18.  Serbia: Small Business Act profile
		Key findings
			Priority areas
		Economic context and role of SMEs
			Economic overview
			Business environment trends
			EU accession process
				EU financial support
			SMEs in the national economy
		Assessment and recommendations
			Process
			Scoring approach
		Entrepreneurial learning and women’s entrepreneurship (Dimension 1)
			State of play and key developments
				Entrepreneurial learning
				Women’s entrepreneurship
			The way forward for Dimension 1
		Bankruptcy and second chance (Dimension 2)
			State of play and key developments
				Preventive measures and bankruptcy procedures
				Promoting second chance
			The way forward for Dimension 2
		Institutional and regulatory framework for SME policy making (Dimension 3)
			State of play and key developments
				Institutional framework
				Legislative simplification and regulatory impact analysis
				Public-private consultations
			The way forward for Dimension 3
		Operational environment for SMEs (Dimension 4)
			State of play and key developments
				Digital government services for enterprises
				Business registration and licensing
				Tax compliance procedures for SMEs
			The way forward for Dimension 4
		Support services for SMEs (Dimension 5a)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 5a
		Public procurement (Dimension 5b)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 5b
		Access to finance for SMEs (Dimension 6)
			State of play and key developments
				Legal and regulatory framework
				Sources of external finance for SMEs (bank financing, non-bank financing and venture capital)
				Financial literacy
			The way forward for Dimension 6
		Standards and technical regulations (Dimension 7)
			State of play and key developments
				Overall co-ordination and general measures
				Harmonisation with the EU acquis
				SME access to standardisation
			The way forward for Dimension 7
		Enterprise skills (Dimension 8a)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 8a
		Innovation policy (Dimension 8b)
			State of play and key developments
				Policy framework for innovation
				Government institutional support services for innovative SMEs
				Government financial support services for innovative SMEs
				SME and research institution collaboration and technology transfer
			The way forward for Dimension 8b
		SMEs in a green economy (Dimension 9)
			State of play and key developments
				Framework for environmental policies targeting SMEs
				Incentives and instruments for SME greening
			The way forward for Dimension 9
		Internationalisation of SMEs (Dimension 10)
			State of play and key developments
				Export promotion
				Integration of SMEs into global value chains
				Promoting the use of e-commerce
			The way forward for Dimension 10
		Conclusions
		References
		Further reading
			Annex 18.A.  The OECD Scoreboard Indicators
	Chapter 19.  Turkey: Small Business Act profile
		Key findings
			Priority areas
		Economic context and role of SMEs
			Economic overview
			Business environment trends
			EU accession process
				EU financial support
			SMEs in the national economy
		Assessment and recommendations
			Process
			Scoring approach
		Entrepreneurial learning and women’s entrepreneurship (Dimension 1)
			State of play and key developments
				Entrepreneurial learning
				Women’s entrepreneurship
			The way forward for Dimension 1
		Bankruptcy and second chance for SMEs (Dimension 2)
			State of play and key developments
				Preventive measures and bankruptcy procedures
				Promoting second chance
			The way forward for Dimension 2
		Institutional and regulatory framework for SME policy making (Dimension 3)
			State of play and key developments
				Institutional framework
				Legislative simplification and regulatory impact analysis
				Public-private consultations
			The way forward for Dimension 3
		Operational environment for SMEs (Dimension 4)
			State of play and key developments
				Digital government services for enterprises
				Business registration and licensing
				Tax compliance procedures for SMEs
			The way forward for Dimension 4
		Support services for SMEs (Dimension 5a)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 5a
		Public procurement (Dimension 5b)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 5b
		Access to finance for SMEs (Dimension 6)
			State of play and key developments
				Legal and regulatory framework
				Sources of external finance for SMEs (bank financing, non-bank financing and venture capital)
				Financial literacy
			The way forward for Dimension 6
		Standards and technical regulations (Dimension 7)
			State of play and key developments
				Overall co-ordination and general measures
				Harmonisation with the EU acquis
				SME access to standardisation
			The way forward for Dimension 7
		Enterprise skills (Dimension 8a)
			State of play and key developments
			The way forward for Dimension 8a
		Innovation policy for SMEs (Dimension 8b)
			State of play and key developments
				Policy framework for innovation
				Government institutional support services for innovative SMEs
				Government financial support services for innovative SMEs
				SME and research institution collaboration and technology transfer
			The way forward for Dimension 8b
		SMEs in a green economy (Dimension 9)
			State of play and key developments
				Framework for environmental policies targeting SMEs
				Incentives and instruments for SME greening
			The way forward for Dimension 9
		Internationalisation of SMEs (Dimension 10)
			State of play and key developments
				Export promotion
				Integration into global value chains
				Promoting the use of e-commerce
			The way forward for Dimension 10
		Conclusions
		Notes
		References
		Further reading
			Annex 19.A. OECD Scoreboard Indicators
			Annex A. Methodology for the 2019 Small Business Act assessment:
Annex A. Methodology for the 2019 Small Business Act assessment:
Annex B. The Small Business Act assessment’s scoring model for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Annex C. Semi-structured interviews with private sector representatives