Cluster and Business Linkages Unit
In developing countries the private sector mainly consists of micro, small and medium enterprises that generate a large share of employment and income opportunities. Often, however, their development potential remains untapped, as firms operate in isolation, are locked into uncompetitive production patterns and unable to approach dynamic business partners that could bring in new expertise and know how.
The UNIDO CBL Unit aims to boost the development of a competitive private sector and contribute to poverty reduction by building sustainable linkages between small-size enterprises, their larger scale business partners and support institutions.
Linkages enhance enterprise competitiveness through the realization of economies of scale and scope and are a source of sustainability, as they increase the capacity of the economic actors to collectively react to crisis and turning points. Linkages also pave the way for broad-based and inclusive development, where the poor among entrepreneurs and workers participate of economic activities on fair terms.
Functions
- Promote business to business linkages as well as between firms and institutions
- Foster the implementation of socially environmentally responsible business practices
- Develop public private partnerships
- Formulate and disseminate tools and methodologies for project implementation.
Areas of Focus
Clusters and Network Development Programme
Clusters and business networks have become keywords in the policy debate in industrialized and developing countries. They are regarded as tools to promote poverty reduction and the development of competitive industries.
Corporate Social Responsibility Programme
Businesses can play an important role in improving the living conditions for people throughout the world. Therefore, more than ever before, long-term entrepreneurial planning and action must be coupled with a sense of social responsibility.
Export Consortia Programme
SMEs usually have difficulty exporting to foreign markets. Some of the many barriers include: lack of knowledge, financing and inability to comply with foreign regulatory requirements. However, these problems can often be overcome through cooperation among SMEs.
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