Shaping Policy Supporting High-Growth Entrepreneurship: Reflections on EU SME Policy
Shaping Policy Supporting High-Growth Entrepreneurship: Reflections on EU SME Policy

Summary/Abstract: This article is a summary of recent research findings regarding small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) growth drivers and success factors. It is based on a literature review concerning the theoretical background and research results on high-growth companies/ entrepreneurship and the structure and impact of the European Union’s (EU) SME policy. There is a lack of substantial evaluation studies on policies to promote high-growth SMEs; there is a need for the specific design of such policies, and to systemise support in different lifecycle stages with a better understanding of individual needs and the degree of policy and instrument effects. A strategic framework must be developed that defines the main target groups of SMEs to be supported. Recent SME research findings presented in the article may deliver a target grid to optimize EU SME policy, based on knowledge about the corporate lifecycle of high-growth companies.

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