Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Italy and Challenges they Face

The aim of the paper is to draw attention to the challenges faced by small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in contemporary economy. Analysis of secondary data from four European countries show their crucial role in economy. They are important especially in Italy where the location in industrial districts (ID) has contributed to their success for many years. Due to the diminishing role of the factors contributing to the success of Italian SMEs they face new challenges which were identified.