In January 2016, the Government of India launched the Startup India initiative, which has transformed the way in which the markets, potential entrepreneurs, and investors view startups. This transformation included a slew of policy measures intended to promote a startup culture and allow younger...

This paper assesses the case for promoting financial education in Asia. It argues that the benefits of investing in financial education can be substantial. Data are limited, but indicate low financial literacy scores for selected Asian countries. As economies develop, access to financial...

Finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) has been a concern for all stakeholders including entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and government organizations. The key objective of the study was to identify various challenges faced by MSMEs in sourcing of finance during...

This paper introduces a new index of financial inclusion for 153 advanced, emerging, and developing economies using a comprehensive set of new indicators, grouped into four different dimensions: financial access, usage, financial development, and fintech infrastructure. The fintech...

Income-generating activities performed by women are an effective way to reduce gender deprivations and disparities. In the constrained familial and community settings of developing economies, the online platform can be an appropriate means for women to carry out economic activities. In this...

Increased participation in global value chains is firmly related to the engagement of local producers in international markets through increasing sales in these markets. This study aims to examine factors affecting export performance of SMEs in the Kyrgyz Republic. Empirical estimations based on...

Small businesses are considered one of the sources of innovation, productivity and dynamism in many countries. Thus, to translate innovative ideas into sustainable businesses, access to capital becomes a part and parcel of their business lifecycle. Despite their potential importance for economic...

This paper reviews the literature on the role of public equity markets in the innovation ecosystem. The review highlights the importance of public equity markets in funding the research and development activities of young and high growth firms. It also illustrates the dependence of venture...

The paper discusses state, regulative framework, and recent developments in leveraging access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Kyrgyz Republic through global value chain (GVC) examples in the Kyrgyz Republic. Access to finance in the Kyrgyz Republic is...

This paper analyzes the situation of SMEs in Mongolia, especially their financial situation and financing mechanisms, the business environment, the existing policies, and value chain analysis, and makes suggestions for enhancing their development. Value chains that have their potential developed...