Evaluation of the second multiannual programme for enterprise and SMEs
The European Commission has published a communication concerning the evaluation of the second multiannual programme for enterprise and, in particular, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (1993-1996). This evaluation was carried out by an external evaluator (Arthur Andersen & Co) and submitted to the Commission on 31 January 1996. The external evaluation puts forward a number of proposals for a third multiannual programme in this area which it suggests should focus on "the creation of an appropriate environment for growth and internationalization of SMEs through a uniquely conceived network and by extensively using the adequate levers". The Commission communication, which includes an executive summary of the evaluation report, welcomes the overall positive assessment made by the evaluator and provides a non-exhaustive summary of the Commission's observations on this report. It also notes the valuable contribution made by this report in the drafting of its proposal for a third multiannual programme for the period 1997-2000 (see RCN 5799).