Helping small firms to network – the experience of UNIDO
This article examines what can be done to support networking among small businesses when sectoral clusters do not already exist. A UNIDO project in four countries – Bolivia, Jamaica, Honduras and Nicaragua – has fostered networks among small businesses in a given subsectorby preparing groups of businesses; consolidating groups and supporting an initial joint project; identifying weaknesses; and helping to implement joint strategic projects. Many of the changes in ways of working that have occurred have resulted in improvements to product quality and reliability,
enabling the groups of businesses to move up market. Networks of businesses are also more easy to assist with training and other forms of support than individuals. Associations of networks can also represent their members' interests at the national level by lobbying.
by preparing groups of businesses; consolidating groups and supporting an initial joint project; identifying weaknesses; and helping to implement joint strategic projects. Many of the changes in ways of working that have occurred have resulted in improvements to product quality and reliability,
enabling the groups of businesses to move up market. Networks of businesses are also more easy to assist with training and other forms of support than individuals. Associations of networks can also represent their members' interests at the national level by lobbying.
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