Small Is Beautiful: SMEs as Drivers of Innovation and Employment

May 3, 2023
12:30–13:00 (Europe/Paris time zone)

About this session

SMEs account for more than 90% of businesses and provide half of total global employment. How can governments, investors and large businesses ensure that SMEs have the financing, talent and wider ecosystems they need to innovate, expand and create jobs? Please arrive early, as space will be very limited. Access will be provided on a first come first served basis

Speakers

SC
Sean Carr
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Global Innovation Exchange (GIX)
University of Washington
HQ
Hao Qian
European Bureau Chief, Sina Finance, Geneva
Sina.com
EM
Erika Kraemer Mbula
Professor of Economics
University of Johannesburg
JL
Jean Daniel LaRock
President and Chief Executive Officer
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)

About us

  • Who we are
  • Our strategy
  • How we work
  • Our leadership and governance
  • Our Impact

More from the Forum

  • Centres
  • Meetings
  • Stakeholders
  • Forum stories
  • Press releases
  • Picture gallery
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Engage with us

  • Sign in
  • Partner with us
  • Become a member
  • Sign up for our press releases
  • Subscribe to our newsletters
  • Contact us

Quick links

  • Sustainability at the Forum
  • Careers

© 2026 World Economic Forum