Summary

Research Report: The ASEAN SME (small and medium enterprises) Development Decade 2002-2012, aims to accelerate and elevate collaborative action, at both the intra- and extra regional levels.

Description

Author: Choompon Asasen and Kanchana Asasen
Human and Organizational Potential Development Center (Bangkok, Thailand)
and Nataya Chuangcham, Ariel Professional Management Services (Bangkok, Thailand)

The ASEAN SME (small and medium enterprises) Development Decade 2002-2012, aims to accelerate and elevate collaborative action, at both the intra- and extra regional levels. The policy blueprint (developed by this study) is designed to facilitate the emergence of a SME sector which is characteristically entrepreneurial, growth oriented, outward-looking, modern and innovative.

Following on from the introductory remarks in Chapter One, and the details of the objectives and guiding principles in Chapter Two, Chapter Three looks closely at several indicators of the intrinsic importance of SMEs as the economic and social backbone of ASEAN. Constraints on SME sector development and integration in the region are also discussed, including the lack of a sustained track record in entrepreneurship development, and in product and process innovation. It is argued that extensive capacity building is needed by SMEs in business skills and operational capabilities for a fuller exploitation of the new technologies plus e-commerce.

The discussion on a conducive policy environment for SME development and integration (in Chapter Five) leads on to seven suggestions. These focus on ensuring greater coherence and consistency in the design and sequencing of policies, and on better policy coordination and management to promote SME development.

Proposed Policy Blueprint for the ASEAN SME Development Decade 2002-2012 [PDF 812KB]

Available: Electronic version only

This report was commissioned by AusAID. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed in the report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of AusAID or the Australian Government.

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