The second publication resulting from research funded by the SWIFT Institute is an interim white paper focusing on the issue of finance in SME (small and medium enterprises) supply chains. The final working paper will be issued mid-2013. The study is being conducted by Asad Ata, Manish Shukla and Mahender Singh at the Malaysia Institute for Supply Chain Innovation.
Asia’s economic miracle is often associated with large, multi-national companies. While these organisations are important drivers of the region’s growth, SMEs have played a key role. However, unlike larger companies SMEs struggle with finance as a limiting factor rather than a lever for value generation.
On the demand side the researchers look into the common financial challenges faced by these organizations in terms of access to finance, ease of availability, cost, control etc. On the supply side, they explore the challenges faced by financial institutions in helping SMEs. They use the case study approach to take a closer look at real-life scenarios that illustrate the key constraints restricting the growth of SMEs. Some of the successful attempts and innovations are discussed, and suggestions are made for developing a more holistic approach to make SMEs more competitive in the global environment.
Download the white paper here.