Définition et dénombrement statistique de la population des PME dans l'Union Européenne

This study by order of the Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) provides an overview of the SME definition and the system of SME statistics in the European Union. The European SME definition is particularly examined with respect to the inclusion of specific groups such as the crafts as well as the professions. This serves as a basis for analysing the institutional design of the European SME statistics and the practical problems of collecting data at the national level. The analysis of the statistical system focuses both on the application of the European SME definition as well as the question in how far the whole population of European SME is represented in the existing statistics. Where necessary, the German case serves as an example to illustrate practical problems and national particularities.