SME competitiveness outlook 2022 : connected services, competitive businesses / International Trade Centre.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

International Trade Centre UNCTAD/GATT, author.

Series:

SME Competitiveness Outlook Series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Service industries.

Small business.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (128 pages)

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Geneva, Switzerland : International Trade Centre, [2021]

Summary:

This publication, 'SME Outlook 2022: Connected Services, Competitive Businesses,' by the International Trade Centre, examines the role of connected services in economic growth and competitiveness. It highlights four key sectors: transport and logistics, financial services, information and communication technologies, and business and professional services. These sectors are crucial for integrating companies into global value chains and fostering digital innovation. The report emphasizes the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in developing countries, in accessing these services. It explores strategies for businesses, support organizations, and policymakers to enhance the availability and quality of connected services, thereby driving inclusive growth and supporting women and youth-led enterprises. The publication is aimed at policymakers, business leaders, and development agencies interested in leveraging services for economic development. Generated by AI.

Contents:

Intro

Contents

Acronyms

Foreword

At a Glance: Connected services, competitive businesses

Executive Summary

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1: The era of small services firms

Services drive transformation

Most output and jobs come from services

Services are changing economies

Real benefits from services trade

Services attract foreign direct investment

Pandemic affected services differently

Leveraging opportunities in services

Small services firms closer to exporting

Women and youth-led services firms are strong

Barriers to entry and growth lower in services

Connect and change to remain competitive

Chapter 2: Services at the heart of market trends

Connecting through services inputs and digitalization

Two trends shape the services-led economy

Recent developments in connected services

Connected services create value

Adding value to exports

Claiming a higher share of returns

Connected services as digital leaders

Higher digital intensity

Not everyone is ready for a digital future

Chapter 3: Connected services lead transformation

Connected services drive growth

Creating skilled jobs

Disseminating innovation

Growing output, investment and exports

Connected services raise business performance

Outsourcing services encourages efficiency

Quality of services matters

Small businesses less likely to access connected services

Making connected services globally competitive

Grow networks and connect online

Innovate for quality and new opportunities

Identify and retain skilled workers

Improve ability to access funds

Chapter 4: A regulatory landscape inclusive of small businesses

Rules can support small services firms trade

Small firms find regulations costly

Harmonize rules to lower costs

Move skills across borders.

Smooth licensing, recognize qualifications

Open markets foster competitiveness

Implementation is key

Regulations for the digital era

Emerging legal frameworks for online transactions

Data regulations on the rise

Think small first when taxing digital transactions

New thinking to ensure fair competition

Safeguarding ideas for digital innovation

Chapter 5: Turning services potential into a reality

The Connected Services, Competitive Businesses Plan

Companies: Reach the export competitiveness frontier

Network to learn and upgrade

Invest in research, certification and customization

Set up formal hiring and training

Improve financial management

Business support organizations: Create new links

Bring actors together

Build a rich ecosystem of collaboration and innovation

Focus on digital skills training

Bridge the financial information gap

Governments: Build supportive policies and regulations

Promote fair and inclusive networks

Create an environment for ideas to flourish

Increase access to technical skills

Facilitate investment and online finance

Endnotes

References

Annex I: Methodology note and data sources

Definitions

ITC COVID-19 Business Impact Survey

ITC SME Competitiveness Surveys

Notes on figures

Annex II: Switch ON: ITC's programme for digital connectivity.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Part of the metadata in this record was created by AI, based on the text of the resource.

Description based on print version record.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

9789210021722

921002172X

OCLC:

1411309762