Msme Development in South and Southeast Asia: Navigating Growth and Challenges

MSME Development in South and Southeast Asia provides a comprehensive examination of micro, small, and medium enterprises, their growth, challenges, and opportunities, addressing a critical gap in systematic research for this region.

Underpinned by the widely cited Isenberg (2010) Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Framework, this book guides readers through six sections, each focusing on key domains such as finance, human capital, innovation, social impact, and marketing, across 25 chapters. With contributions from experts across Sri Lanka, the UK, Australia, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, this book combines quantitative and qualitative research methods, providing a strong empirical foundation for examining the cultural and social contexts shaping entrepreneurship in Asia. This offers a nuanced perspective distinct from Western ecosystem dynamics and includes focused analysis of women entrepreneurs. In turn, the book offers actionable guidance and policy solutions to foster resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable growth in the region.

The cross-chapter meta-synthesis reframes the traditional “strengthen MSMEs” policy question to ask: How can we reduce the misalignment between what MSMEs can do and what their environments allow them to achieve? This book is essential for academics, researchers, and students in entrepreneurship, development economics, and business management, as well as policymakers, practitioners, and consultants working to support MSMEs.

Chamindika Weerakoon is a Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia.

Wasantha Athukorala is a Senior Professor and Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Athula Ekanayake is a Professor in the Faculty of Management, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.