Gazelles ministudy available online!

The ministudy on Gazelles is now available for download from the official INNO-GRIPS site.

This report comprises of several sections. The first section introduces the concept of a gazelle, putting it in context within the current EU priorities in economic policy. Then, the second section examines the issue of definitions. This is a key issue as small firms are in a state of change, growing in sales, manpower and capability development. Understanding what gazelles are is a key issue if appropriate action to support them is to be provided. Finally, Section 3 explores the economic role and significance of gazelles and the contribution they make to the key EU policy goals of competitiveness, innovation, employment and growth, looking at the best ways to them. Here we asked why we should support them; what is the rationale; how do we decide which firms should be supported and what are the drivers and barriers to development?

Taking the perspective of gazelles we aim to achieve a better understanding of what they and their representative organisations want and need to help them achieve their objectives.

The study raised a number of important issues, and participants at the Tallinn workshop were asked to consider the following points, where there appears to be a need for further research:

• What is the relationship between gazelle firms and other SME businesses?
• Does gazelle firm growth lead to declines in other smaller firms operating in the same and related areas?
• Does gazelle growth lead to synergistic and complementary effects amongst other firms and sectors?
• Does support for gazelles give them an unfair advantage in competing with other SMEs?

Here is the link for downloading the full document. Enjoy!