European SME Study Hobbled and Humbled
by Research Data and Methods

A recent study of business demography in nineteen European countries has concluded that right now, given differences in data and study methods, an effective measurement of small and medium-sized (SME) business activity in Europe cannot be undertaken. That problem did not stop the European Commission from trying, but it was a humbling experience to say the least.

Good research is not easy, especially on relatively new issues, like the role of entrepreneurship in economies. Yes, many earlier researchers have tackled that issue, but not in a full-blown international environment.

Having reviewed the EU's study report I can understand the struggle, especially in attempting to undertake a 19-nation assessment. However, this is a useful piece of work, and actually one that teaches us here in the U.S. a trick or two about entrepreneurship and small business research.

My impression is that the Europeans will make better headway next time around in trying to understand the business demography of the EU. It is an important issue.

Go here to download the report.