Innovative approaches to optimize the competitiveness of SMEs in Ibero-America: The case of Argentina

Abstract

According to the Ibero-American MSME Observatory. (November 2023) «SMEs play a fundamental role in the social and economic growth of most countries. However, they still have a number of structural weaknesses that affect their survival and limit their competitiveness».

The Ibero-America SME Report provides information on their productive structure and aims to be useful to companies and various economic and social agents.

In preparing the report for the year 2023, attention has been focused on analyzing the main challenges faced by MSMEs in the development of their activities. In addition, various solutions have been proposed aimed at enhancing their competitiveness and supporting them in overcoming the current economic uncertainty.

The objective of this article is to analyze the case of Argentina in comparison to other Ibero-American countries, focusing on the obstacles that SMEs encounter in entering and expanding in the market, as well as accessing the labor market in search of qualified human talent aligned with the needs of SMEs.

The methodology used was based on a quantitative and qualitative questionnaire. The number of experts consulted, who are part of the sample, is divided among the various participating universities and research centers in Argentina.

The main obstacles identified in Argentina were inflation and the difficulties in finding qualified human talent.

The improvement proposal highlighted by the experts focused on tax reduction to decrease the fiscal burden and encourage the formalization of the system."