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OECD publishes its Report on SME and Entrepreneurship Policy in Ireland

PRESS RELEASE:

01/11/2019

  • The comprehensive report chimes with ISME’s policy position on SMEs.
  • Irish entrepreneurs have a significant learning curve if they are to be among OECD comparator countries.
  • ISME expect the Government to follow up and deliver on the OECD’s 11-point roadmap for SME policy.

ISME was delighted to be invited to the launch of the OECD report into SME and Entrepreneurship policy in Ireland in the Department of Business and Enterprise on 31st October.

The comprehensive report into the successes, failures and future needs of Irish SMEs chimes with ISME’s policy position on small enterprise over many years.

The OECD recognises the central importance of SMEs to the indigenous Irish economy, and says Ireland needs to formulate a ‘strategic framework and delivery system for SME and entrepreneurship policy.’

Areas which require particular attention are simplified access to affordable finance; improved entrepreneurial activity; increased awareness of finance and treasury; improved productivity; and financial incentivisation of innovation and internationalisation.

In short, the OECD acknowledges the long-held ISME view that it isn’t just Irish workers who need upskilling. Irish entrepreneurs also have to climb a significant learning curve if they intend to be best in class among OECD comparator countries.

While it is a matter of some frustration that ISME policy on these areas has received little official attention over the years, we acknowledge the fact that the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has seen fit to commission this report.

We hope, and expect, that Government will follow up with the enactment of the actions necessary to deliver on the OECD’s 11-point roadmap for SME policy in Ireland in the near future.

ENDS
Notes:

  • ISME should be referred to as the Irish SME Association

For further information, please contact ISME offices T: 01 6622755 E: marketing@isme.ie