SMEs are catalysts for progress all over the world and are considered the principal generators of new jobs, innovation, and economic activity.
However, in many ECA countries, the growth and sustainability of emerging market innovative SMEs is often constrained by a shortage of both debt and equity financing, often coupled with laws and regulations that restrain rather than foster entrepreneurship and innovation. Thus,

 

KEF VII themes will address these and other key issues, including:
 
  Globalization and Technology Absorption
 
  Technology Absorption Channels
 
  Policies for Regional Innovation
 
  Exploring the Marche Region’s Experience:
      Integrating SMEs in Supply Chains
 
  Achieving & Maintaining Competitiveness:
      Human Capital Development in Firms
 
  Responsive HEIs – Strengthening Links with Industry
 
 High technology Start-Ups and University Spin Offs
 
  Nurturing Partnerships between SMEs and  Technology Transfer Institutions   

 

  Institutions & Infrastructure to Meet Global Quality  Standard