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As the world recovers from two years of pandemic, now is the time to take a fresh look at the critical role business promoters will play in the post-Covid economic recovery, and how best to support and foster entrepreneurship in this context of recovery.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have the potential to be an economic engine and a source of job creation after the crisis. Their sustainability is critical to any economic recovery, given that they account for two-thirds of the planet's jobs and half of global GDP (McKinsey & Company, 2020). Indispensable links in the economy, SMEs are not only employers, but also operate as customers and suppliers of large companies along supply chains. Their survival and ability to quickly restart operations will therefore benefit the entire economy.
To survive and adapt to the new reality, many SMEs have been innovative in adjusting their practices, strategies, and business models. But the prospects for an eventual economic recovery and the decisive role that entrepreneurship can play in it also depend on an effective response from governments and the dynamics of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This special issue calls for work that looks at SME support models for post-Covid recovery, work that examines how to adapt policies and institutions to support SMEs. It also accepts work on strengthening the role of entrepreneurship and SMEs.
