Sme Competitiveness Outlook 20212 : Connected Services, Competitive Businesses

Our services sectors are key to an economic transformation. This report calls them ‘connected services. Transport and logistics, financial services, information and communication technologies, and business and professional services contribute directly to economic growth – with an increasing share of output, trade and jobs. These sectors also contribute indirectly, making other firms more competitive by connecting them to global value chains and digital innovations. For example: in regions with high quality connected services, 44% of all companies' export, compared with 19% of firms where the quality of connected services is lower. Connected services spur inclusive growth that is favorable for small businesses, including those led by women and young people. Yet most small firms in developing countries do not access them easily. This report explores the measures that companies, business support organizations and policymakers must take to help connected services flourish – to benefit all firms, foster more prosperous economies and build more inclusive societies.

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