Scores for the Public procurement dimension compared to 2016

Abstract

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are a source of jobs and growth. They also have a role to play in the diversification of output, export and employment, and are a vital source of entrepreneurial human capital. This is particularly important at a time when the countries of Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus strive to make their economies more inclusive and more resilient to shocks. SME development has therefore been central to co-operation within the framework of the Eastern Partnership (EaP), a joint initiative of the European Union and six neighbours -Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.Today, SMEs generate about half of total business-sector value added in the EaP region, and they account for slightly more than half of total business-sector employment. Their innovation potential and ability to adapt to fast-changing market conditions makes them an increasingly important source of entrepreneurial dynamism.