Industryweek 14641 Smes Guide Euro Manu

New Year is a Mixed Bag

Jan. 5, 2014
While economists, together with SMEs, generally give a positive outlook for 2014 there are a bunch vital of issues that need to be tackled during 2014.

SMEs in Germany, according to a German state owned bank KfW, generally have positive expectations for year 2014. For Northern EU, without a few exceptions, the 2014 is looking gloomy (Norden report). So much for staring at official crystal balls.

While economists in various institutions are giving their best for a reliable outlook, I will not even try to compete with them. My view in this blog is very close to the SME reality.

Regardless of the economic outlooks I would put my emphasis for European SMEs during the year 2014 on following issues:

  • Leadership in SMEs
  • Hiring and retaining good employees
  • New customer acquisitions
  • Channel building in Europe and world wide
  • Strategic options like M&A
  • Cross-Atlantic opportunities
  • Eastern Europe
  • Succession planning
  • Process performance improvements across the value chain

While SMEs should be working hard on theses topics I would expect the Central Bank and banks generally to get the money rolling towards real economy.

85% of EU jobs continue to depend on the fitness of the SMEs. Putting together all kind of official lending programs are great, however in my experience they are way too slow to respond to SME needs. The banks must develop again an understanding of the needs of the real economy and take responsibility in their role in nurturing it.

Naturally the politicians must get out of their comfortable cabinets and finally stand up and fight for their voters.

During the year 2014 you will see more of my blogs touching these vital issues for European SMEs.

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

Shifting Your Business from Products to Service-Based Business Models: Generating Predictable Revenues

Oct. 27, 2023
Executive summary on a recent IndustryWeek-hosted webinar sponsored by SAP

Digitally Transforming Data and Processes With Product Lifecycle Management

Oct. 29, 2023
Manufacturers face increasing challenges in product development as they strive to consistently deliver improved results. Discover how industry leaders are improving time-to-market...

Food and Beverage 2024 Trends and Outlook for North America

Oct. 29, 2023
Ready to hear what 200 of your peers said are the top challenges and opportunities in 2024? Don’t fall behind. Uncover actionable insights to better prepare for 2024 in this whitepaper...

How to Build Zero-Cost On-Site Solar and Storage Projects

Nov. 25, 2023
The Inflation Reduction Act offers tax credits, incentives, and financing that enable no-cost projects. In Enel’s eBook, discover the critical role that incentives play in your...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!