SMEs in a Globalised World : Survival and Growth Strategies on Europe’s Geographical Periphery

"This insightful book shows how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from some of the traditionally less dynamic peripheral economies of the 'old' EU - namely Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain - have responded to the twin challenges of globalisation and industrial restructuring. Through a series of unique case studies the contributing authors discuss how these economies, and in particular the SME sector, can be transformed." "The book begins by examining the key drivers of the globally competitive SME sector in the EU, before moving on to explore the relationship between multinational enterprises (MNEs), SMEs and industrial development. The authors investigate important policy implications and provide lessons for SME development and growth." "With empirical and theoretical contributions on SMEs in both the manufacturing and the services sectors, this essential book will be invaluable for researchers and policymakers in small business economics and management. Postgraduate students of entrepreneurship, business economics, industrial economics and European studies will appreciate this unique set of insights." "Helena Lenihan is in the Department of Economics, Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick, Ireland, Bernadette Andreosso-O'Callaghan is in the Department of Economics and the Euro-Asia Centre, Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick, Ireland and Mark Hart is with the Economics and Strategy Group in Aston Business School at Aston University, UK."--Jacket This volume comprises original work on how SMEs have responded to the twin challenges of globalisation and industrial restructuring from peripheral locations in Europe