Competing in the Single Market - SMEs and ... - Erhvervsstyrelsen

From the private sector, the chambers of commerce in the B4 are quite active (see Table 17 below),providing data and statistics on companies, sectors and markets, as well as serving as a lobbyingarm from the private sector to policymakers. In addition to the chambers of commerce, employerconfederations and industry/sector associations are active in representing the interests of the privatesector. These organisations, like the chambers of commerce, strive to create favorable conditions forthe development of private enterprise, work to expand markets and improve export conditions, andinitiate contacts with counterparts abroad through international conferences and trade fairs.Table 17: Chambers of Commerce in the B4EstoniaLatviaNumber ofMemberCompanies2850 (10% oftotal companies;99% SMEs)860 (8% of totalcompanies; 88%SMEs)Number ofRegional Offices4 regionalbranchesExample of Activities- representing companies in dialogue withregional/national government- information/advisory services- organizing training/seminars- information on EU legislation and regulations7 branch offices - issuing foreign trade documents- training- networking- arbitrationLithuania 1500 (95% SMEs) 5 branch offices - issuing bar codes for goods- supervision of vocational training- information on economic legislation- business seminars, lectures, training coursesPolandSource: Eurochambres (2003)400.000 (20% oftotal companies;90% SMEs)90 branchand bilateralchambers; 60regional chambers- representation, lobbying, and cooperationon behalf of Polish entrepreneurs withParliament, Government, and other publicinstitutions- cooperation with international businessentities- consulting & advisory services (legal,financial, tax, EU, etc.)- seminars, conferences, and training coursesThe B4 also have an active academic research sector, growing out of the long-established Academiesof Science in these countries. Academics often participate in ad-hoc committees and working groupsappointed by the government to review or recommend policy action. The B4 countries generally havea great deal of publicly-funded research, but have lower R&D investments from the private sector. Ofthe B4 countries, Poland has the most private sector investment in R&D. Latvia has the most R&Dfunding from foreign sources.67