Small and Medium-Sized Companies in Belgilum

Paula Pahlawan-Martens is a researcher with the European Association of National Productivity Centres in Brussels, Belgium. Small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) constitute an essential part of the industrial and commercial structure of Belgium by their number, diversity, and their presence in all sectors of activity. They have more than ever an important role to play in economic recovery through their great potential of employment and innovation and the flexibility which enables them to adapt more easily than large firms to a changing economic and social environment. However, they are faced with difficulties, some of which are specific to their small size, such as their difficult access to capital, to technology and information, and the inadequate structure and legislation concerning small firms. The paper examines some statistical considerations on SMEs, the Institute of the Middle Classes, and the promotion policy of SMEs in Belgium.