When markets are opened up to competition, companies will have to adjust their strategy and ways of doing business to remain competitive. They have to compete in price, quality and service to build and keep a strong position in the international market. Flexibility is important to adjust to changes in the business environment and to changes in customers’ demand. Hierarchical organisations will need to become flatter and people who are versatile and have a broad range of skills will be in great demand.

New technology is another important factor in the changing business environment. On the one hand it creates the need of computer proficiency, and it might also cause more temporary, part-time or contract employment. On the other hand, the new technologies have a large potential for helping to accelerate economic and social development. For example, software is an important export product for India.

This section provides information on

• The effects of liberalisation and new technologies on small and medium enterprises in developing countries. Do they affect entrepreneurship or productivity?

• Existing policies regarding enterprises, the effects and desirability.

• Specific issues: mergers and acquisitions, multinationals vs. SMEs and competition policy.

This section is organised as follows:

• Research: academic papers, research literature, analysis and comment on enterprises and enterprise development.

• Policy: position papers, analysis and comment on existing policies towards enterprises.

• News: recent developments in research, policy and projects relating to enterprises and enterprise development.

• Regions: regional news relating to enterprises and enterprise development.

As a recently launched site, we still have some way to go towards providing a comprehensive information resource. You can help by submitting your own contributions (academic papers, position papers, analysis or comments etc.). To do this, go to Contact us.