This paper sums up the experience of a Brazilian cluster of small and medium enterprises in the Sinos Valley. It shows that cooperation amongst local enterprises strengthens their ability to compete globally and that business associations can play an important role in identifying the key...

This paper discusses the impact of electronic commerce on the private sector of developing countries and outlines the potential role of the Inter American Development Bank in promoting the use of ICT by small and medium businesses. Information Technology is also reshaping other sectors that are...

It has been established that access to profitable markets is a key factor which determines the long-term success for all businesses. For small and microenterprises, however, various constraints limit this access, such as inadequate technology, geographic isolation, lack of raw materials and...

The IDB Group, guided by its Strategy for Microenterprise Development, has made the creation of a sustainable market of services to the sector one of its most important priorities during the past decade. This report presents an overview of the contributions the IDB has made to the...

Socially and environmentally responsible business practices contribute to poverty relief and business success. This report presents some examples and lessons from private initiatives to solve business and social problems. Included are case studies of Procter & Gamble in Venezuela and Energía...

This presentation discusses the impact of the Program for the Development of the Industrial Districts in Brazil. It includes the program background, an output and outcomes comparison, the key findings of the impact evaluation, and a series of lessons and recommendations. The presentation was...

This presentation discusses business development services and providers, in the context of developing a stronger industry.

The Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) supports activities that promote the creation and strengthening of support services that will spur development of SMEs and stimulate demand for the use of such services. The Program for the Development of Industrial Districts in Brazil is a good example of...

Many researchers and practitioners, facing the recent trend towards internalisation of markets and competition based on innovative products and high quality standards, have come to the conclusion that there is no single best way to organise industrial production.