Observatory of European SMEs publishes new 2002 reports
The Observatory of European SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) has published four new reports based on its research for 2002. The Observatory was established in 1992 to monitor the performance of SMEs and to provide policy makers, researchers and SMEs themselves with key data on issues such as employment levels, production and competitiveness. The new reports, available on the DG Enterprise website, provide data on the following areas: - Business demography in Europe; - High-tech SMEs in Europe; - Recruitment of employees: administrative burdens on SMEs in Europe; - Highlights from the 2002 Survey. Statistical data from the reports show that there are over 20 million SMEs in the 19 countries. With more than 19 million, the vast majority (93 per cent) are micro enterprises, 1.2 million (6 per cent) are small businesses, and 170,000 (1 per cent) are medium sized. By total employment in the 19 countries, the following distribution exists: micro enterprises 34 per cent, small businesses 19 per cent, and medium sized companies 13 per cent. This means that 66 per cent, or two thirds, of jobs in these countries are provided by SMEs. The Observatory reports cover 19 countries: the 15 EU Member States, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Research for the reports is carried out by the European network for SME research (ENSR).