1st Edition

Small Enterprises and Economic Development The Dynamics of Micro and Small Enterprises

By Carl E. Liedholm, Donald C. Mead Copyright 1999

    Micro and small enterprises (MSEs) have been recognized as a major contemporary source of employment and income in a growing number of developing countries. Yet, relatively little is known about the characteristics and patterns of change in these enterprises. This volume examines the dynamics of MSEs in the development process. Drawing on a unique set of surveys conducted in twelve countries in Africa and Latin America the authors map the patterns of change in MSEs in the developing world.
    Subjects covered include:
    * significance of new start and closure rates of MSEs
    * factors involved in expansion rates and growth patterns of MSEs
    * the role of gender in MSEs evolution.

    Chapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 MSE dynamics; Chapter 3 New starts, closures, and expansion of MSEs; Chapter 4 MSE growth by location, sector, linkages, and gender; Chapter 5 MSEs and the macroeconomy; Chapter 6 Problems faced by MSEs; Chapter 7 The diverse characteristics and needs of MSEs; Chapter 8 Summary and implications;

    Biography

    Carl Liedholm is Professor of Economics at Michigan State University. He has written widely in the field of economic development.,
    Donald C. Mead is Professor of Agricultural Economics at Michigan State University. He has published widely on MSEs in developing countries.