The Economic Impact of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Analytical Approaches to Growth and Innovation Challenges Amid Crises in Europe

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in the global and European economy. This book offers readers an enhanced theoretical overview of key features of SMEs to help economists and policymakers address emerging challenges within policy frameworks. The book considers the latest trends and provides holistic perspectives on recent evidence in the performance and economic growth challenges of SMEs. It also highlights the business environment and landscape in Europe today. Chapters explore aspects regarding the policy implications, while reflecting on the underlying issues SMEs have when it comes to their access to finance, technology, innovation, green and digital transition, internationalization, and growth.

Valia Aranitou is Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where she teaches Economic Sociology. She is the Director of the Research Institute of Commerce and SMEs, which is part of the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship. She is the author of several books and articles.

Manolis Manioudis is Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics, University of Patras, Greece. He is an economic analyst at the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship, and he is an associate editor for Journal of the Knowledge Economy.

Antonios Angelakis is Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science, School of Social Sciences, University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece. He is an external innovation expert at the Small Enterprises Institute (IME GSEVEE) of the Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen and Merchants. He is a member of the Regional Research and Innovation Council of the Region of Attica.