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The competitiveness of SMEs: obstacles and the need for outside help

Author

Listed:
  • Josée St-Pierre

    (INRPME - Institut de recherche sur les PME - UQTR - Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières)

  • Claude Mathieu

    (UQTR - Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières)

Abstract

In this communication, we present the results of an extensive survey of more than 1000 SMEs in the Canadian province of Quebec in order to identify the principal obstacles likely to have a negative impact on their competitiveness over the next two years. For the particularly challenging obstacles, the enterprises were also questioned on their need for outside help and, if so, the type of aid hoped for. The results show that the SMEs indeed do need outside help, and the types of aid most often mentioned are financial help from the government, tax credits, and training. Moreover, the obstacles to competitiveness that confront the SMEs as well as the kinds of external assistance hoped for vary in accordance with the various dimensions that characterize their heterogeneity, in particular the size of the enterprises and their location, i.e., if they are situated in urban, central, or outlying areas. These conclusions confirm that government intervention is hoped for in order to permit SMEs to take up the challenges of globalization, but that this help must be tempered to take into account the particularities of SMEs.

Suggested Citation

  • Josée St-Pierre & Claude Mathieu, 2005. "The competitiveness of SMEs: obstacles and the need for outside help," Post-Print hal-01704623, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01704623
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-01704623
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Franz Tödtling & Herta Wanzenböck, 2003. "Regional differences in structural characteristics of start-ups," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(4), pages 351-370, October.
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