Government procurement – a path to SME growth?
In many countries Government is the biggest procurer of goods and services, which makes them an attractive client for small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) seeking to get a leg up in business. Recognizing the important role that the public sector play...
“Small is the New Big” – Malaysian SMEs Help Energize, Drive Economy
STORY HIGHLIGHTS Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of Malaysia’s economy. Ninety-seven percent of business establishments in Malaysia are SMEs. These businesses account for 65% of the country’s employment. Malaysia’s 2012-2020 SM...
The world’s 10 most gender-equal countries
If current trends continue, a baby girl born today will only see the gender gap in health, education, economic opportunity and politics completely close around the world if she lives to 83. That’s the stark finding of the World Economic Forum’s Global...
These are the world’s most innovative economies
Switzerland has held onto its title as the world’s most innovative economy in the latest Global Innovation Index. The 2016 index, produced by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Cornell University and INSEAD, assesses the innovation per...
2016 Index of Economic Freedom
For much of human history, most individuals have lacked economic freedom and opportunity, condemning them to poverty and deprivation. Today, we live in the most prosperous time in human history. Poverty, sicknesses, and ignorance are receding throughout t...
Towards EXPO2015: Food Entrepreneurs
An unprecedented expansion in food industry innovation and investment, coupled with a growing urgency to address global food systems crises, offer a distinct opportunity—and challenge—to shape the future of food. New education and training programs ar...
A new global framework for financing sustainable development
The world marked a momentous event in international development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, last month, as Governments adopted a new global framework for financing sustainable development. The Addis Ababa Action Agenda was adopted at the Third International...
Health care: Challenges for SMEs
Among the various economic policy options here, those geared to attaining higher levels of efficiency in the provision of health services are particularly appropriate, and less politically controversial. This is because, by definition, they would contribu...
Sustainability as competitive advantage for SMEs
The 3rd edition of the ICC Charter has been designed to reflect a more holistic approach to sustainability, drawing on the expertise, experience and good practices of a broad range of international companies and business associations across all sectors an...
