On the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in the improvement of the production structure of developing countries

This article focuses on the structure of the production system and on policies for improving it, with particular reference to medium-sized and small enterprises. Information and specific examples are provided based on Italy’s experience in this respect and on the role which such enterprises have played in that country. It is suggested that, from this standpoint, Italy’s experience may be of much greater interest to many developing nations than that of other industrialized countries, both as a model to be followed and in terms of the errors that should be avoided.