This paper summarizes the results of two questionnaires presented to small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) by RIETI in February 2008 and February 2009. Given the limited data on SMEs, the purpose of the questionnaires is to understand the current status of financing for SMEs facing this...

Strengthening the governance of financial institutions has become a major issue in recent years. For example, debates on acquisition pressure and the system of appointing external directors regarding joint-stock companies can apply to banks that have adopted the joint-stock company system, but...

In June 2005 we conducted a questionnaire survey of 9,000 companies in the Kansai region (consisting of Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo prefectures), which is the second largest economic zone in Japan, and received replies from 2,041. In this research I analyze how the attributes of companies, such as...

Since the adoption of the "Action Program Concerning Enhancement of Relationship Banking Functions" in March 2003, both government and regional financial institutions have made efforts to strengthen relationship banking functions. However, what SMEs really demand to regional financial...