Некоторые Тенденции Развития Малого Предпринимательства На Фоне Глобализации

Most governments and international organizations have recognized the importance of small and medium-size enterprises and their contribution to economic growth, employment, social cohesion and local development. This article studies several problems and new opportunities which SMEs now face in connection with the challenge of globalization and other socio-economic tendencies. On the one hand, globalization, technological change and the levelling of access to information bring new advantages to SMEs as a form of business activity. But, on the other hand, globalization brings pressures, risks and additional transition costs. The last decade has witnessed a number of significant trends which have encouraged SMEs in the EU and other developed countries to actively widen their horizons using cross-boarder cooperation, the Internet, e-commerce, the utilization of global markets, and the exploitation of new forms of partnership. But, despite the above mentioned, SMEs have underutilized their available possibilities, especially, the ability to unite in clusters and industrial districts (allowing them to exploit the advantages of small scale and local presence). Another possible strategy may present itself in the ability of SME to participate in alliances with transnational corporations and large companies in order to enhance their competitive advantages.