Parallel session
Enterprise development
UNU-WIDER has engaged in research with a focus on improving our understanding of enterprise dynamics that can help our understanding on how best to alleviate allocative inefficiencies in the business sector.
This session will present three research endeavours under these categories drawing upon UNU-WIDER’s work on this topic in Mozambique, Myanmar, South Africa, and Viet Nam. First, we take South Africa as a case and look at how import linkages influence firm productivity, export performance and responsiveness to exchange rate movements. Focus will be on whether access to intermediate imports influences how manufacturing firms engage and compete internationally.
Secondly, the case of Vietnam will be discussed with focus on the environment in which trade unions operate, including the role of trade unions in terms of securing benefits/higher wages for workers. Finally, the session will take a closer look at what research in enterprise development could mean for advancing women’s entrepreneurship in the future.
Discussion will link to UNU-WIDER work on how the practice of industrial policy may be improved in future.