On November 10th, 2021 a joint partnership led by Wise Angle in collaboration with SHINE 2Europe  and the International Network for SMEs (INSME) has been adjudicated the contract: “Crisis Costs for European SMEs – How COVID-19 changed the playing field for European SMEs“.

Study Subject 

The study aims to make a status quo assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on SMEs with a view to understand how the economic framework and playing field for SMEs changed due to the pandemic and what perspectives SMEs have for the future. An in-depth analysis of selected SME sectors, also taking into account employment consequences, will show the different needs of the sectors and how they can be supported in the years to come. Based on this analysis, a strategic plan of economic and public policy measures to support SMEs will be defined.

Our Contribution 

Our partnership has elaborated a detailed proposal including an original framework for the theoretical study and an intense fieldwork including both in-depth, semi-structured interviews with experts and real-life testimonial SMEs relaying their personal experience on pandemic management (Check here for more information).

The consolidated partnership of Wise Angle and SHINE 2Europe has now been enriched by a fruitful collaboration with the International Network for Small and Medium Enterprises (INSME), a legally recognized not-for-profit association working under the auspices of the OECD. Counting on 64 Members from 34 different countries, the Network is a facilitator for the creation of public-private partnership, a gateway to innovation good practices for the support of SMEs and entrepreneurship and a catalyst of information on opportunities, latest trends and insights on innovation, SMEs, technology transfer and entrepreneurship.

Both their assistance and the EESC collaboration will be fundamental to get in touch with top-rank experts and to being able to provide a first set of exploratory patterns on different SMEs performances throughout the pandemic. At the end of our exploration, we also aim at the development of a comprehensive list of public policy recommendation supporting future policies and instruments for European SMEs.

Study Inauguration 

The Kick-Off Meeting with the Contracting Authority was officially celebrated on November 25th, 2021. Our research team presented the study and answered questions on a first round of feedback from members of the EESC Reflection Groups on SMEs (ascribed to the Employer’s Group).

 

 

     

 

While we complete our first round of feedback, the theoretical study and the preparatory ground for the fieldwork are well under way. We are excited to take advantage of this funding opportunity and continue developing knowledge at the service of European small and medium businesses.

 

The WISE team