CUPRINS - Universitatea George Bacovia

Entrepreneurship In Europe. What About Small Businesses And The Lisbon Strategy?Growth is often almost exclusively defined in a quantitative way: in termsof turnover, market share, etc. But quite some entrepreneurs, and especially thosein smaller companies, have another perception of growth: they see it rather in aqualitative manner, f.i. better products or services. Companies that are notincreasing their quantitative milestones can therefore also be dynamic and growing.A heavy focus on quantitative growth can harm the quality of a company becausethere is the risk that short-term thinking and acting might prevail. Europeanpolicymaking should therefore also take into consideration more qualitativemeasures in order to foster and enhance the growth of small businesses.Strategy is about being ‘different’ not about being ‘better’.Strategy does not mean to ‘re-invent’ the existing. Important changes inthe external environment can urge for strategy changes. The challenge of a new EUwith 25 is such a reason to change.To successfully manage the enlargement of Europe, our biggest historicopportunity ever, it is vital to implement and enforce the Lisbon Strategy. The newMember States have highly enthusiastically embraced the Lisbon Strategy and theCharter for Small Business and are taking them very seriously. A reason more for acommon sense of urgency among policy makers that have to commit themselves tostart delivering economic reform. The now gaining momentum as a result of theenlargement process implies that structural reforms have to be implemented verysoon. The economic framework must be more adjusted to the reality in Europe and,as has already been stated above, more to the real needs of SMEs, that are clearlythe engine of growth and employment.‘It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the bakerthat we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.’ 5The most important factor in creating economic growth is to promote thevalue of enterprise. Entrepreneurial people can create business in order to satisfyconsumer demand. Enterprise can create growth that pays for consumption, welfareservices and infrastructure improvements. The economic environment must rewardrisk-takers and boost entrepreneurship. The regulatory burden on business must bereduced substantially. SMEs must be given special attention. Compulsory impactanalysis both at EU-level as well as at national level should be made of alllegislation that affects business. The Green Paper on Entrepreneurship is aconstructive tool to create a better entrepreneurial climate but policy makers in themember states must commit themselves genuinely to implement the valuableblueprints. Promoting long-term growth and dynamism through stimulatingstructural renewal is the key condition for making the Lisbon’s ambition a reality.5 Adam Smith, “An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations”, 1776127