Weitzenegger's Publication Review 2006
December 2006
See also our Bookshop and the German language publication review.
Business environment and labour market outcomes in Europe and Central Asia countries
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/businessenvironment/
New firm entry has been fundamental for job creation in the transition economies. Hence, the urge to reform the framework in which firms operate. This paper aims to improve our understanding of the business environment of the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) countries, as well as to assess which of the institutions that shape it are most important for labor market performance. To achieve that aim, the author groups the institutions into those affecting firm entry and those affecting business survival and growth, and proceeds to construct indicators to summarize them.
EBRD's Transition Report 2006
http://www.ebrd.org/pubs/econo/6813.htm
The new Transition report studies the financial sector in transition countries. It analyses how financial systems have been restructured, their impact on the economy and private sector development, and the introduction of new financial services. The special theme of the report is devoted to an analysis of the financial sector in the transition countries. Making use of several unique data sources, the Report looks at how financial systems have been restructured over the past 15 years, their impact on the economy and private sector development and the introduction of new financial services.
The Policy Framework for Investment (PFI)
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/40/25/37408438.pdf
This policy brief by the OECD explains what PFI is, who developed it, who it is for, and how it is used. The PFI is a comprehensive multilaterally-backed approach for improving conditions to attract investments.
Trade Liberalization And Economic Reform In Developing Countries: Structural Change Or De-Industrialization?
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/fdi/
The paper analyses economic performance of a sample of developing countries that have undertaken trade liberalization and structural reforms since the early 1980s with the objective of expansion of exports and diversification in favour of manufacturing sector. The results obtained are varied. Forty per cent of the sample countries experienced rapid expansion of exports of manufactured goods. In a minority of these countries, mostly East Asian, rapid export growth was also accompanied with fast expansion of industrial supply capacity and upgrading. By contrast, the experience of the majority of the sample countries, mostly in Africa and Latin America, has not been satisfactory.
Local Economic Development Case Studies
http://web.worldbank.org
Local economic development (LED) strategies should be designed to meet the specific needs of each community. However, the experiences of cities and towns in both developed and developing countries can provide lessons. The case studies from this World Bank website are identified by their primary LED project or program objective. Through this web page the World Bank staff seeks to build a library of case studies that share the success stories and the 'not so successful' stories from those who have developed and implemented a LED strategy. These case studies are either directly linked to another website, a PDF document link, or an analysis of a specific region using the five step LED strategic approach
Local Financial Development and the Aid-Growth Relationship
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/aideffectiveness/
With official development assistance (ODA) set to rise as countries strive to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), aid effectiveness remains an important area of development policy. An increasing number of studies support the notion that ODA can contribute to growth in a nonlinear relationship. In this paper, Development Gateway investigates a new hypothesis regarding this relationship: That deeper financial markets in aid-recipient countries facilitate the management of aid flows, thereby enhancing aid effectiveness. An empirical analysis, using a panel data set, finds robust support for the hypothesis.
What drives growth in the transition countries?
http://www.ebrd.com/pubs/econo/15anni.pdf
Economic growth has varied widely across the transition countries since 1989. Central Europe has generally performed better than south-eastern Europe, which in turn has out-performed Russia, Ukraine and the other members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). But what accounts for these differences? And what has been the role of institutions? This leaflet summarises a series of papers, sponsored by the Japan-Europe Cooperation Fund (JCEF), which focus on the role of institutions in the transition context.
The impact of crime on the enterprise sector: Transition versus non-transition countries
http://www.ebrd.com/pubs/econo/wp0097.htm
Crime remains a significant problem in the transition countries. This paper looks at the impact of organised crime and street crime on the enterprise sector. It finds that countries with high unemployment and poorly developed micro enterprise sectors have the highest rates of crime. The paper also highlights the negative impact crime has on foreign direct investment and job creation. EBRD Working Paper, Libor Krkoska, Katrin Robeck (July 2006).
The dos and don'ts of sustainable banking: a BankTrack manual
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC22620
Aimed at the banking community, this BankTrack manual provides an overview of actions these institutions can take to become more sustainable. Its starting point is the Collevecchio Declaration. This declaration was launched in January 2003 and endorsed by over 200 civil society organisations. It outlines the unique role and responsibility the financial sector has in advancing sustainability and continues to be civil society's benchmark of measuring sustainability in the banking sector. Following the six commitments framed in the Collevecchio Declaration, this manual outlines what banks should do to make their operations more sustainable. The six commitments are: responsibility, accountability, transparency, sustainable markets and governance, and 'do no harm'. Each section provides practical steps forward, paying attention to both content and implementation aspects. These steps apply to all activities undertaken by banks, whether they be retail banking, commercial banking, investment banking or asset management.
The growth of commercial microfinance 2004 - 2006
http://www.cmef.com
Table of contents: 1. Highlights, 2. Equity Investments in MFIs: A Global Look, 3. MFI ownership structure
EPAs and investment
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC18523
This Christian Aid report highlights the negotiations around rules-based investment criteria and the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) between the European Commission (EC) and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. The report argues that rules-based agreements for investment can limit countries' ability to manage foreign investment which fits with its development strategy.
States and Economic Development: What Role? What Risks?
http://www.odi.org.uk/speeches/states_nov06/index.html
Documentation of the ODI event
Policies towards Horizontal Inequalities in Post-Conflict Reconstruction
http://www.wider.unu.edu
This UNU-WIDER paper by Frances Stewart is concerned with one major requirement in reconstruction policies that is often overlooked: that is to design policies which will reduce the horizontal inequalities which are often a major source of conflict. If they do not, there will be a danger of renewed mobilization around them and a further outbreak of violence. The paper reviews the range of policies which would contribute to reducing horizontal inequalities. It also considers some political issues surrounding such policies, including potential political risks which can arise in adopting these types of policy.
Local/Regional Economic Development in South-Eastern Europe
http://www2.gtz.de/dokumente/bib/06-0650.pdf
Promoting region-specific development, whether in the framework of economic development or by strengthening administrative structures, is one of the most important themes of Development Cooperation. The contributions (concepts, instruments, and lessons learned) presented in this collection provide an impressive insight into the wide range of GTZ’s experiences and its abilities in the field of local/regional economic development in South-Eastern Europe.
Time for a Change - Germany’s Bilateral Investment Treaty Programme and Development Policy
http://www.fes-globalization.org/publications/FES_OCP27_Malik_German_BITs.pdf
Mahnaz Malik has analyzed the German BITs against the backdrop of the linkage between investment and sustainable development. According to her analysis, the German investment treaties concentrate solely on enhancing investor protection, without giving due consideration to the development policy aims of the German government. She deplores the restrictive impact on host governments’ 'policy space” and their ability to regulate in order to protect their development interests. And she calls for a revision of the German BIT programme with a focus on criteria of 'policy coherence”. FES Occasional Paper 27.
CGAP Paper Examines 5 Global Forces That Will Shape the Future of Microfinance
http://www.cgap.org
As world attention focuses more and more on microfinance, it is all the more important that we understand the global forces shaping the industry's future. From technology and demographic trends to the rise in global social activism and powerful middle-income countries, these forces are played out through four scenarios in 'Financial Inclusion 2015: Four Scenarios for the Future of Microfinance.' Note.
CGAP Technology Program to Support 'Branchless Banking' Projects
http://www.cgap.org/technology. http://cgap.org/portal/site/Technology/
Technology has helped reduce the cost of delivering financial services, creating exciting opportunities for delivering these services to millions more of the world's poor. CGAP's Technology Program invites concept notes for projects that test technology-based approaches to delivering financial services, especially in the most challenging markets not yet reached by microfinance. The deadline for the first round of proposals is January 2, 2007.
Challenges in Modernizing the Tax System - Nicaragua (In Spanish): IADB
http://www.countryanalyticwork.net
Beginning in the mid-90s Nicaragua focused on accelerating its transition from a state run economy to a market based one. It began this process under economic and social conditions that were difficult. A fiscal deficit of 8.4%, a conflicting situation with regard to property rights, and a housing deficit of over 400,000 units. It was obvious that healthy tax revenues were needed to repair and maintain basic infrastructure throughout the country. The structural reforms implemented during those years stabilized the economy and reduced inflation. By 1999 tax revenues grew by 19% but later on deteriorated to 15% in 2000 and 12% in 2001.
Exploiting Opportunities in an Uncertain Environment - Afghanistan: WB
http://www.countryanalyticwork.net
In a post conflict environment, attracting new foreign and domestic firms is central to private sector development. New decisions about investment usually depend on the availability of five basic factors: political and economic stability and security ; clear unambiguous regulations; reasonable tax rates that are equitably enforced; access to finance and infrastructure; and an appropriately skilled work force. In Afghanistan, these conditions are lacking. The challenge facing the government of Afghanistan in addressing these constraints and in turn attracting further foreign and domestic investment cannot be underestimated.
BOAM’s Experience with Value Chain Promotion
http://www.bds-ethiopia.net
Business Organisations and their Access to Markets (BOAM) is a private sector development programme of The Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) in Ethiopia. The BOAM Programme will shortly wind up its pilot phase and get into expansion phase counting on its achievements and the lessons taken form the former. The pilot phase of the programme has been promoting four value chains namely: Oilseeds & Edible Oil, Honey & other Bee Products, Milk & Dairy Products and Perennial Crops with specific focus on Pineapple.
Alliances and Joint Ventures: Patterns of Internationalization for Developing Country Enterprises.
http://www.unido.org/file-storage/download/?file%5fid=53677
This UNIDO training package is addressed to entrepreneurs and policymakers of developing countries. Part One of the training package presents the international development scenario, the competitive environment and the drivers for global expansion of enterprises. It highlights the patterns of multinational expansion, the various types of inter-firm collaboration agreement, the global manufacturing strategies of multinational enterprises and the related challenges and opportunities for developing countries. In this context, Part One presents the role of global value chains and global production networks as elements of global operations management by multinational enterprises and as vehicles for technological development of firms of developing countries. Attention is also given to the role of the governments of developing countries in creating suitable locational conditions for multinational enterprises and in providing critical support to domestic enterprises in their path for technological capability building and internationalization. Part Two will follow shortly.
Impact of Financial Cooperation
http://www.kfw-entwicklungsbank.de/EN_Home/
9th Evaluation Report 'Paving ways - Developing potentials' just published 71% of projects financed are successful. High developmental impact needs innovative approaches.
Strategies and Structures for Commercial Banks in Microfinance
http://www.iadb.org/sds/doc/int28B.PDF
One of the critical decisions that bankers looking to serve the microenterprise market niche must make is whether to do microlending in house or through some sort of external organization such as a service company or subsidiary. Up until now there really has not been a comprehensive set of guidelines available on how to make this crucial choice. In addition to providing such guidelines, in this paper Glenn Westley discusses other best practices banks should follow in order to be successful in microlending.
Gender equality in the labour market: attitudes to women's work
http://www.hwwi.org
HWWI Research Paper by Sylke Viola Schnepf
A Resource Guide for Technology-based Economic Development (SSTI, US)
http://www.ssti.org/Publications/Onlinepubs/resource_guide.pdf
Positioning University as Drivers, Fostering Entrepreneurship, Increasing Access to Capital. Prepared for the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, by the State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI), this resource guide provides a comprehensive overview of the main instruments and methodologies adopted in the U.S., at local or state level, to promote a Technology Based Economic Development (TBED), focusing on three main pillars of a tech-based economy: intellectual infrastructure, capital, and entrepreneurial culture.
November 2006
THE READER 2006 - Implementing Sustainable Private Sector Development: Striving for Tangible Results for the Poor
http://www.bdsknowledge.org/dyn/bds/docs/497/PSDReader2006.pdf
This year the Reader focuses on sustainable private sector development strategies. The 2006 Reader by Alexandra O. Miehlbradt and Mary McVay, edited by Jim Tanburn.
The 2006 Reader Content:
Private Sector Development: What’s Next?
Systemic Market Development in Action
Current Trends in Reforming the Business Environment
Developing Value Chain Systems that Benefit the Poor
Foundation Markets
Relief to Market Development in Crisis-Affected Economies
Accountability for Results in Reducing Poverty
Progress and Challenges in Implementing Sustainable Private Sector Development: Striving for Tangible Results for the Poor
Annexes: Training and Events, Websites, Bibliography
Trainer’s Manual: Local Economic Development Strategies
http://www.worldbank.org/urban/local/toolkit/pages/home.htm
Making Local Economic Development Strategies: A Trainer’s Manual has been developed as a resource to train municipal officials and community representatives in the core elements of local economic development strategic planning. The Manual consists of six separate but complimentary sections that together form a comprehensive teaching tool for devising an LED strategy. The Trainer’s Guide to Manual outlines the core trainer competences, approach and requirements necessary to successfully deliver the LED training program. The five teaching modules that follow comprise the training program and provide a structured approach to learning, reflecting the five stage approach to LED strategic planning. Each module is accompanied by a supporting series of PowerPoint slides, exercises, templates and supplementary learning materials.
Knowledge for Sustainable Business Development
http://www.inwent.org/themen_reg/themen/nachhaltig/index.en.shtml
The 'Knowledge for Sustainable Business Development' CD-ROM provides an introduction for companies and institutions about the search for economic information in the Internet. In addition there is a 'Business Information Guide,' several work aids and useful tools for the export business, language tools, translation aids and dictionaries, Google marketing tools, as well as other helfpul tips and tools. InWEnt activities and it@inwent projects are also presented in a .PDF brochure with a 15 minute video. Order by fax: +49 228-4460-1382, Order by e-mail: christiane.weber@inwent.org
Clusters in the EU-10 new member countries
http://www.europe-innova.org
A report on the qualities a business environment needs to translate scientific knowledge into new products, services and competitive firms has been made available on-line by Europe INNOVA. The report presents a systematic mapping and analysis of regional clusters across the EU-10. It uses a classification system that allocates employment to four broad sectors of the economy, and within one of them, the cluster sector, to 38 cluster categories. Europe INNOVA is an initiative for innovation professionals supported by the European Commission under the 6th Framework Program.
UNCTAD Investment Policy Reviews
http://www.unctad.org/Templates/StartPage.asp?intItemID=2554
UNCTAD´s program on Investment Policy Reviews seeks to help countries to improve policies and institutions that deal with FDI and to increase their capacity to attract and benefit from FDI. The Investment Policy Review (IPR) for a country provides an evaluation of the policy, regulatory, institutional and operational framework for FDI, IPR is done in developing countries and economies in transition.
The audio version of The Change Management Toolbook
http://www.change-management-toolbook.com/res/audio.html
The audio book is produced as MP3 files which you can play with most available audio players (Windows Media Player, Real Player, etc.). With the purchase of the audio book, you are also granted the rights to burn one set of 4 CDs for your own perusal.
Doing Business 2007
http://www.doingbusiness.org
How to Reform is the fourth in a series of annual reports investigating the regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it. Doing Business presents quantitative indicators on business regulations and the protection of property rights that can be compared across 175 economies—from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe—and over time.
How does Business Environment Affect MSME Density? - An Introduction to MSME Database
http://www.enterprise-impact.org.uk/word-files/BEE-MSMEAugust06.doc
The main finding of this study by Mallika Shakya is that there is indeed a bias against the MSMEs regarding business enabling environment and this is consistent across regions and wealth. The country income bias is pronounced in the combination of positive differential in time and costs of doing business and the negative differential in the number of MSMEs. A regional bias is pronounced in the fact that the region with the highest Doing Business costs is also the region with lowest number of MSMEs and vice versa. The analysis also finds that the prevalence of informality is asymmetric to the MSME density inferring that countries with good business enabling environment tended to have larger number of registered MSMEs and a smaller degree of informality, and vice versa. Although there is little data available, number of MSMEs seem to increase with the frequency and intensity of business environment reforms undertaken.
Responsible trade and market access - Opportunities or obstacles for SMEs in developing countries?
http://www.unido.org/file-storage/download/?file%5fid=56036
This UNIDO report is intended to contribute to this topical debate by examining both the opportunities and the obstacles faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries as they seek to gain access to international markets. The report provides a thorough analysis of various initiatives and approaches to responsible trade and studies its role in poverty reduction and entrepreneurship development in developing countries.
Alliances and joint ventures - Patterns of internationalization for developing country enterprises
http://www.unido.org/file-storage/download/?file%5fid=53677
The objective of the complete package is to inform both public and private sector decision makers on the purpose and potential of different forms of joint venture and to assist them in framing and negotiating appropriate agreements that can benefit both the individual enterprise concerned and the economy as a whole. It constitutes one component of a library of UNIDO training material covering aspects of investment promotion and technology transfer.
Private sector development in Africa: Evidence based on African Economic Outlook
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/15/32/37424434.ppt
Presentation made by Céline Kauffmann at the European Commission, Brussels on 12 September 2006.
Export Promotion Agencies: what works and what does not
http://siteresources.worldbank.org
The number of national export promotion agencies (EPAs) has tripled over the last two decades. While more countries made them part of their national export strategy, studies criticized their efficiency. EPAs have been retooled partly in response to these critiques,. This note studies the impact of existing EPAs and their strategies, based on a new data set covering 119 developing and developed countries. World Bank Trade Note 30
German BMZ: Cornerstones of Youth Employment - Promotion in Development Cooperation
http://www.bmz.de/en/service/infothek/fach/diskurs/diskurs007en.pdf
Youth unemployment, which according to the standard UN definition refers to persons aged between 15 and 24, accounts for almost half of total unemployment worldwide. By contrast, this age group represents only about 25 per cent of the working age population. Moreover, in many developing countries youth underemployment is a more pressing problem, i.e. young people often have to work under precarious working conditions with little chance to lift themselves out of poverty. That is why the BMZ has considered it useful to elaborate, on the basis of past and present project experience, this discussion paper focussing on an integrated, three-dimensional approach to mitigate youth unemployment and underemployment.
Financial Inclusion 2015: Four Scenarios for the Future of Microfinance
http://www.cgap.org/portal/site/CGAP/menuitem.da0167f15fefd30167808010591010a0/
CGAP recently undertook a scenario-building exercise to help anticipate and prepare for the global demographic, political and technological forces that will shape the future of microfinance. This Focus Note examines these forces and applies them to four scenarios. It ends with broad recommendations for how the international community can prepare for and respond to these scenarios. CGAP Focus Note, No. 39, 2006
KfW Evaluation;: Impact of Financial Cooperation
http://www.kfw-entwicklungsbank.de
9th Evaluation Report 'Paving ways - Developing potentials' just published. 71% of projects financed are successful. High developmental impact needs innovative approaches.
Least Developed Countries Report 2006
http://www.unctad.org/Templates/Page.asp?intItemID=3073
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's (UNCTAD) entitled 'Developing Productive Capacities' was published.
ECDPM InBrief Series on 'Comparing EU free trade agreements'
http://www.ecdpm.org/ftainbriefs
The European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) publishes its next two publications in the InBrief series 'Comparing EU free trade agreements'
World Development Report 2007: Development and the Next Generation’
The WDR 2007 dealing with youth aged 12 to 24 has been published at: http://tinyurl.com/bs8zl
The report says that young people make up nearly half of the ranks of the world's unemployed, and, for example, that the Middle East and North Africa region alone must create 100 million jobs by 2020 in order to stabilize its employment situation. Moreover, surveys of young people in East Asia and Eastern Europe and Central Asia-carried out as research for the report-indicate that access to jobs, along with physical security, is their biggest concern.
The Social Watch Annual Report ‘Impossible Architecture’
http://www.socialwatch.org
Monitoring governments’ public policy to determine their degree of compliance with commitments and treaties to eradicate poverty and achieve gender equity.
October 2006 Special Edition on Post-conflict economies
A framework for private sector promotion in post-conflict environments
http://www.businessenvironment.org/dyn/be/docs/108/GTZPSDinReintegrationandReconstruction.pdf
MacDonald, M.H. / Deutsche Gessellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) , 2006
This paper develops a framework for private sector promotion in post-conflict environments. In order to develop the framework, the paper investigates the evidence linking economic development and conflict, examines private sector development tools used also in non-conflict circumstances, and finally presents a brief survey on current approaches to emergency aid, reconstruction and reintegration programmes.
Prevention and Peace Building Elements of PSD/SED Programmes
http://www.businessenvironment.org/dyn/be/docs/108/GTZConflictPreventionandPeaceBuilding.pdf
This new GTZ discussion paper by Axel Mierke examines the potential that SED/PSD interventions have in contributing to conflict prevention and peace building. The paper is based on desk research, discussions with practitioners and three case studies. Practical experiences extracted from case studies and other reports illustrate the findings. The Annex provides details on the case studies of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Kosovo and Afghanistan. (Contributed by Axel Mierke)
GTZ Reading List: Business in conflict
http://www.gtz.de/en/themen/wirtschaft-beschaeftigung/privatwirtschaft/5306.htm
On this page you will find downloads, information and literature for further research on business in conflict.
Reading List: Private Sector Development in Conflict-Affected Countries, by The World Bank
http://rru.worldbank.org/PapersLinks/Conflict-Affected-Countries/
Private sector development is critically important for the long-term economic recovery of economies affected by conflict. Domestic and international businesses have important roles to play in this effort. However, the private sector is not in itself a panacea. Companies and entrepreneurs will not take the considerable risks of investing without appropriate economic incentives. Moreover, poorly planned commercial development may widen existing social and political divisions, thus contributing to conflict rather than peace. This reading list reviews the emerging international debate on the best means of encouraging private sector development in high-risk economies and ensuring that it has a positive rather than a negative impact.
Reading List: Microfinance in Post-Conflict Environments
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/microfinance/rc/BrowseContent.do~source=RCContentUser~folderId=3243
Microfinance is becoming one of the main sources of credit for small and medium enterprises, which in turn are likely to be among the main drivers of local economic development in post-conflict environments. This Web site gives references and commentaries on 16 case studies in countries ranging from Timor Leste to Cambodia, Liberia, Kosovo, Eritrea, Angola, Mozambique, Nepal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Eldis Reading List: Post Conflict Reconstruction
http://www.eldis.org/conflict/postconflictreconstruction.htm
Eldis Reading List: Political Economy of War
http://www.eldis.org/conflict/politicaleconomyofwar.htm
The Conflict and Security Guide of Eldis has a special sections on more topics.
ILO Global Report: Employment in Response to Crises, May 2006
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/crisis/download/global.pdf
This report concludes the research project on ''Strengthening Employment in Response to Crises” jointly led by the Graduate Institute of International Studies (HEI) of Geneva and the International Labour Organization.
Sector strategy for crisis prevention, conflict transformation and peace-building in German development cooperation
http://www.bmz.de
German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development strategy for peace-building, June 2005
Local Business, Local Peace: The Peacebuilding Potential of the Domestic Private Sector
http://www.international-alert.org/our_work/themes/LBLP.php
This International Alert publication highlights the domestic private sector’s often overlooked peacebuilding potential. Developed and researched with partner organisations and business people from conflict-affected countries around the world, it presents more than 20 case studies where private sector actors have taken proactive steps to address violent conflict in places as varied as Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Guatemala, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Somalia and the South Caucasus. In addition, the publication highlights businesses’ efforts to support formal peace processes; to address issues in the economic sphere; to build bridges between divided communities and groups; to alleviate security concerns; as well as the special role of women entrepreneurs.
Business Guide for Conflict Impact Assessment and Risk Management
www.unglobalcompact.net/docs/issues_doc/7.2.3/BusinessGuide.pdf
This Global Compact Guide aims to aid companies in developing strategies that minimize the negative effects and maximize the positive effects of investing in areas of conflict or potential conflict. The ultimate goal of the Guide is to help companies contribute to conflict prevention and a sustainable business environment in the countries where they operate. (Contributed by John Bray)
Enabling Economies of Peace. Public Policy for Conflict-Sensitive Business
http://www.unglobalcompact.org/docs/news_events/8.1/enabling_econ.pdf
This report by Karen Ballentine and Virginia Haufler discusses how governments and international organizations can better assist private sector efforts to promote conflict-sensitive business practices. (Contributed by John Bray)
Business of Peace
http://www.iblf.org/docs/BusinessofPeace.pdf
This 158 page publication of the International Business Leaders Forum
explores the role that the business sector can play in conflict prevention and resolution. 2000 – but still influential. (Contributed by John Bray)
Development, Peace and Human Rights in Colombia: a Business Agenda (2006)
http://www.iblf.org/media_room/general.jsp?id=123803
IBLF, in association with the UN Global Compact and local partner Fundación Ideas para la Paz, this week brought together senior leaders from business, government and civil society in Bogota to discuss the role that business can play in addressing the causes and consequences of armed conflict in Colombia. (Contributed by John Bray)
Public–Private Partnerships in State-Building and Recovery from Conflict
http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/pdf/research/niis/BP0906.pdf
Collaboration between government and business is especially important in states that are recovering from conflict. However, the relationship betweenthe public and private sectors has all too often been undermined by mutual distrust and poor communication. Success demands a focus on local solutions for local problems, and a willingness to select the most appropriate ‘tools’, whether from government, civil society or business. Briefing Paper by John Bray, Control Risks ISP BP 06/01 September 2006 (Contributed by John Bray)
Economic Impact of Peacekeeping – Final Report
http://www.peacedividendtrust.org/EIP.htm
The Economic Impact of Peacekeeping (EIP) project, commissioned by PBPS and executed by the Peace Dividend Trust, is the first comprehensive evaluation of the economic footprint of DPKO field operations. The project began in January 2005, and undertook fieldwork in one former and nine current missions. The objective is to develop new policies and practical reform measures that will minimize negative economic effects while using mission spending to help jump-start economic growth.
Economic Aid to Post-conflict Countries: A Methodological Critique of Collier and Hoeffler
http://www.cmi.no/pdf/?file=/publications/2005/wp/wp-4.pdf
This Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI Working Paper WP 2005: 4) paper retests the analysis of ''Aid Policy and Growth in Post-Conflict Societies,'' by Paul Collier and Anke Hoeffler (October 2002 and forthcoming in European Economic Review). It finds that their data and analysis do not support their conclusions and policy recommendations on the optimal timing and amounts of aid. These conclusions depend on very few observations (13 for the period of peace-onset, 13 for years 4 to 7 when a growth spurt is said to make aid particularly effective, and 8 for the period when aid should taper off); are vulnerable to the same methodological misspecifications identified in the Burnside and Dollar approach on which this analysis is based; and are not grounded in any theoretical formulation about the special relation between aid and growth in post-conflict conditions.
Supporting the Private Sector and Social Partners in Response to Conflicts and Natural Disasters
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/crisis/download/volume1.pdf
This volume discusses support for the private sector and social partners in response to conflicts and natural disasters. In Iraq, researchers conducted a study on the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in generating income and stimulating development. SMEs, specifically ones with stakeholders of different ethnicities, are also the focus of a study on Macedonia. The role of multinational oil sector enterprises in rebuilding Angola is the topic of the third study. Finally, the last study examines social partner organizations – those representing employers and workers – in the aftermath of the 2003 earthquake in Algeria. A synthesis report cross-analyses the major analytical outputs and recommendations of these studies while examining the overarching theme. ILO, November 2005.
Community-Driven Reconstruction as an Instrument in War-to-Peace Transitions
http://lnweb18.worldbank.org/
CPR Working Paper No. 7 by Sarah Cliffe, Scott Guggenheim and Markus Kostner, August 2003
Micro/small enterprises for socio-economic revival
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/recon/crisis/
Micro- and small enterprises (MSEs) are pulling economic and employment growth worldwide, but they fit especially well in post-crisis contexts. They can spark off socio-economic revival, as they need little to operate, but can contribute much.
Conflict-Sensitive Business Practice: Guidance for Extractive Industries, March 2005
http://www.international-alert.org/pdfs/conflict_sensitive_business_practice_all.pdf
This is a set of tools for companies concerned about improving their impact on host countries to begin thinking more creatively about understanding and minimising conflict risk, and actively contributing to peace.
Business in Transition: South African experience of companies cooperating to support transition
http://www.seepnetwork.org/files/957_Nepal_Private_Sector_for_Peace_Conference.doc
Report from the Conference on the role of the private sector in peace building, reconciliation and development
Postconflict Infrastructure: Trends in Aid and Investment Flows
http://rru.worldbank.org/PapersLinks/Open.aspx?id=6921
As war and civil strife subside, can governments turn to the private sector to restore basic services? Postconflict countries suffer from disproportionately low levels of private investment in infrastructure, with only small-scale service providers likely to emerge during and right after conflict. Larger investors are slow to enter, and when they do they focus almost exclusively on the easily secured and most profitable subsectors. Yet some countries have been able to couple aggressive reform and liberalized policies to attract infrastructure investments soon after conflict abates. What does their experience tell us? Public Policy Journal Issue 305 by Jordan Schwartz and Pablo Halkyard.
Microfinance and Conflict: Toward a Conflict-Sensitive Approach
http://fletcher.tufts.edu/research/2004/
This thesis by Stacy Michelle Heen attempts to bridge this gap by proposing three ways in which the mobilization of microcredit could, in itself, dampen conflict tensions and reduce the potential for escalation toward open violence. These three mechanisms, termed ''direct”, ''indirect”, and ''process” mitigation, evolved out of field research instigated at the request of a small credit union in rural Cameroon to examine the links between credit and,conflict. These mechanisms, or typology, form the conceptual heart of this thesis.
Peace-Building, Crisis Prevention and Conflict Management
http://www.gtz.de/de/dokumente/en-crisis-prevention-and-conflict-management.pdf
This GTZ working paper seeks to conceptually underpin the new area of work in the specific context of Technical Cooperation.At the same time, it outlines GTZ’s existing services in this sector. It also outlines the prospects for future tasks in this new work domain.TC possesses broad experience in implementing crisis- and conflict-related measures, as reflected in the activity areas and services outlined in the present paper.
Africa’s Recovery from Conflict: Making Peace Work for the Poor
http://www.wider.unu.edu
UNU World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU/WIDER) Policy Brief 6 by Tony Addison
Why do some countries economies recover from domestic armed conflicts more quickly than others?
http://www.polisci.osu.edu/faculty/nooruddi/research/flores&nooruddin.pdf
Flores, T. E.; Nooruddin, I. / Ohio State University Library , 2006
This paper analyses why some countries’ economies recover from domestic armed conflicts more quickly than others. The document attempts to explain these differences by developing a set of propositions regarding the effects of political transitions, economic factors, and the nature of the conflicts themselves. It then tests these propositions via duration analysis of an original dataset of economic recovery.
Development policy as an element of global structural and peace policy
http://www.bmz.de/en/service/infothek/fach/spezial/spezial067/90.pdf
German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development BMZ Special No. 67
In Larger Freedom
http://www.un.org/largerfreedom/
2005 Report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations subtitled ''Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All''.
Krisenprävention, Konfliktbearbeitung und Friedensförderung in der deutschen Entwicklungszusammenarbeit
http://www.bmz.de/de/service/infothek/fach/konzepte/konzept131.pdf
Youth Unemployment and Regional Insecurity in West Africa
http://www.un.org/unowa/unowa/studies/unemployment-insecurity.pdf
The issue of massive youth unemployment has with increasing regularity been identified – by Governments, civil society organizations and development partners – as one of the principal threats to the stability of West African states. In this report the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) put forward a number of recommendations for increasing youth employment in the region. (Contributed by Sara Spant)
On the Link between Violent Conflict and Chronic Poverty
http://www.frient.de/materialien/detaildoc.asp?id=359
How much do we really know? by Patricia Justino, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, 2006
Liberia’s Governance and Economic Management Assistance Programme (GEMAP)
http://pbpu.unlb.org/pbpu/download.aspx?docid=761
This paper examines the factors that led to the introduction of the Governance and Economic Management Assistance Programme (GEMAP) a robust action plan to address economic governance in post-conflict Liberia., initiated by Liberia’s international partners and signed between them and the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) in September 2005. GEMAP targets public finance management and accountability particularly revenue collection, expenditure controls and government procurement and concession practices.
Regional Trade Agreements: promoting conflict or building peace?
http://www.iisd.org/pdf/2005/security_rta_conflict.pdf
Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) have become a defining feature of the modern economy and a powerful force for globalization. The example of the European Union shows that RTAs can build prosperity and peace. However, RTAs can be divisive and exclusive, their terms can hinder development or even trigger violent conflict. This paper analyses the role that Regional Trade Agreements can play in building, or undermining, peace between and within countries. Paper by Oli Brown, Faisal Haq Shaheen, Shaheen Rafi Khan, Moeed Yusuf, IISD and SDPI, 2005
Foreign Aid and Private Sector Development
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/lib.nsf/db900SID/OCHA-6PPT83?OpenDocument
This study calls for better reporting on the use of U.S. foreign aid to build up the private sector in developing countries. It examines three tools for strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises in the developing world: enterprise funds, equity funds, and technical assistance from non-governmental organizations. The three approaches have proven useful and important, and the current challenge is to much better understand both their limitations and their capacities as we seek ways to support the development of private enterprises.
Diasporas and Conflict Resolution - Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution?
http://www.diis.dk/graphics/Publications/Briefs2006/%F8stergaard-nielsen_diaspora_conflict_resolution.pdf
Paper by Eva Østergaard-Nielsen presented at seminar on Diaspora and Conflict, Peace Builders or Peace Wreckers? Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS), 8 December 2005
The challenges of war-torn resource rich countries: what governments and the private sector can do
http://www.usip.org/pubs/specialreports/srs/srs4.pdf
This United States Institute of Peace report analyses the particular challenges of stabilisation and reconstruction missions in countries rich in hydrocarbons and minerals and provides lessons learned from the recent experience of such countries as Iraq, Sudan, Angola, Liberia, and Afghanistan. It offers recommendations for the U.S. government and others involved in natural resource-rich countries emerging from conflict and also to the extractive industry companies and banking sectors that play a critical role in these states.
Post-Conflict Reconstruction of Communities and Socio-Economic Development
http://www.ticad.net/documents/issuepaper.doc
UNDP Issue Paper, Prepared for the TICAD Conference on Consolidation of Peace, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 16-17 February, 2006
War Economies in a Regional Context: Overcoming the Challenges of Transformation
http://pbpu.unlb.org/pbpu/download.aspx?docid=227
This policy report by Kaysie Studdard distills key findings from research commissioned by the International Peace Academy’s programme on Economic Agendas in Civil Wars (EACW) on the regional dimensions of war economies and the challenges they pose for peacemaking and peacebuilding.
It draws on analytical research as well as case studies, identifying a number of key issues concerning the political economy of regional war economies and lessons for more effective peacebuilding.
U4 Theme: Corruption in Emergencies (CES)
http://www.u4.no/themes/ces/main.cfm
In the wake of the South Asian tsunami in 2004, a number of initiatives have emerged to tackle the particular dangers of corruption in the context of war and natural disasters. Utstein Anti-Corruption Resource Centre consolidates current thinking, address gaps through original research, and offer practical approaches and tools for reducing corruption risks in humanitarian aid.
September 2006
Doing Business 2007
http://www.doingbusiness.org/?cid=1291
This fourth edition of the annual Doing Business series focuses on how to do reforms. It provides updated data and analysis on business environments in 175 economies around the world. For more information, to order copies, or to generate your own online reports using the Doing Business data visit http://www.doingbusiness.org/?cid=1291
EuropeAId's Detailed EVALUATION GUIDE
http://ec.europa.eu/comm/europeaid/evaluation/methodology/guidelines/gba_det_en.htm
The European Commission published details on their guidelines for geographical and thematic evaluations, for evaluation managers or evaluators; and for project and programme evaluations, including checklists
SEEP Network News, vol. 2 iss. 2 Network Development
http://seepnetwork.org/files/3611_file_Network_News_6_30_06.doc
The second issue of the second volume of Network News, SEEP's online newsletter for regional and country-level microfinance and microenterprise networks.
Access Finance Issue 13 World Bank
http://psdblog.worldbank.org/psdblog/access_to_finance/index.html
Each newsletter contains feature articles and highlights of selected news items, papers, events and internet resources under four main categories: Access to Financial Services, Credit Information, Payment Systems and Remittances.
Promoting the business and investment climate. Experiences of German technical assistance
http://www2.gtz.de/dokumente/bib/05-0938.pdf
Study edited by Dr. Sonja Kurz and Alena Fröde. GTZ’s work on a better Business and Investment Climate is also expected to contribute to a rise in the formation of new companies, to an expansion of existing businesses as well as to increased investment in human and physical capital thereby facilitating companies to participate in technical progress. On a highly aggregated level, a better Business and Investment Climate is expected to contribute to the development results of pro-poor growth by reducing constraints and barriers to economic growth and participation of the poor in the growth process.
Facilitating Southern African Remittance Networks, Genesis Analytics, FinMark Trust
http://www.finmarktrust.org.za
An issue paper for the 2006 SADC Commonwealth Secretariat workshop on remittances.
The SEEP Network Consumer Protection Code of Practice Template and Discussion Guide
http://seepnetwork.org/files/3504_file_THE_FINAL_Template_2.pdfSEEP.pdf
A Small Enterprise Education and Promotion Network (SEEP)guide to increase transparency in consumer policies and practices followed by MFIs.
Mapping the Market: A framework for rural enterprise development policy and practice
http://practicalaction.org/?id=mapping_the_market
This Practical Action (ITDG) paper lays out a framework and visual tool for ''mapping'' a rural market in which small enterprises and/or poor people are involved. The central component of the Market Map is the economic actors who actually own and transact a particular product as it moves through the market-chain from primary producer to final consumer. The second component of the Market Map is a charting of the cirtical factors and trends shaping the market-chain environment and operating conditions - the enabling business environment. The third component of the Market Map describes the services that support or could support the market chain's overall efficiency. The paper also describes a participatory strategy for conducting the market map analysis. The authors Mike Albu and Alison Griffith emphasize that markets are central to the challenge of tackling rural poverty. They advocate for greater ''market literacy'' among donors, national policy makers and development agencies to improve the effectiveness of rural poverty-reduction policies and programs.
Trade Support Services Checklists
http://www.intracen.org/instasptp
A series of practical checklists to help private and public trade development managers of trade support institutions assess the strengths of their strategies and services. Checklists are available on: national trade strategy development; market information services; foreign trade representation; matching grant schemes; and results-based management. Contact: williams@intracen.org
Facilitation of the market for BDS for fish farmers in Vietnam, GTZ 2006
http://www2.gtz.de/dokumente/bib/06-0284.pdf
GTZ’s SME Promotion Programme assists local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to benefit from the growing aquaculture sector in a sustainable way. One of the Programmes objectives in An Giang province is to improve the provision of Business Development Services (BDS) to SMEs in the aquaculture sector. The rationale behind this approach is to increase their business capacities in areas such as production technology, marketing and access to international markets.
The Health Care Service Market for the International Consumer
http://www2.gtz.de/dokumente/gut/12952.pdf
An Analysis of the Philippines by Katharina Kaiser, Small and Medium Enterprise Development for Sustainable Employment Program (SMEDSEP).
Shaping value chains for development. Global value chains in agribusiness
http://www2.gtz.de/dokumente/bib/05-0280.pdf
This GTZ study by John Humphrey analyses these challenges from a global value chain perspective, examining their implications for policies at both the micro and meso levels (technical assistance, local institutional capabilities, producer organisations, etc.) and the broader, macro level of the framework of institutions and policies that regulate agricultural production and trade, including standards-setting, intellectual property rights and global competition policy, as well as trade capacity building and trade promotion initiatives.
The value chain approach in development cooperation
http://www2.gtz.de/dokumente/bib/05-1037.pdf
This GTZ study by Bettina Merlin was updated with the objective of checking and updating all existing links to present only recent information. Additionally, new internet research was completed without the strong agriculture focus of the first study. The updated version also integrates institutions working in different sectors relevant to development cooperation. Moreover, the data sheet was revised.
Regions and Municipalities in Focus. Outlook for Development Cooperation
http://www2.gtz.de/urbanet/pub/rekoment_en.pdf
The GTZ working group ReKomEnt (Regional Development and Local Governance in Development Co-operation) - where AGEG Consultants eG is a member - presents this brochure as an introduction into the subject of Regional Development and Local Governance in Development Co-operation. The brochure has been written against the background of forty years of German experience in Development Cooperation with projects and programmes in Rural Regional Development. We also refer to the debate on decentralization in the last two decades and the current discourse on good governance.''
McKeever Institute of Economic Policy Analysis (MIEPA)
http://www.mkeever.com
is pleased to announce the publication of several new country studies. New studies of Turkmenistan and Croatia are added to the 45 countries already published. Both the new studies and the earlier studies are available on the website. Additionally, the studies on Indonesia, Hong Kong and the USA have been revised with new information as of this Spring. The USA study features three separate analyses placed consecutively on the page.
Educating and training out of poverty? A status report
http://www.norrag.org/pdf/NN37-7.pdf
There has been a widespread interest in the international community in the potential for education and training initiatives to assist in breaking the cycle of poverty. This aspiration lies behind the Millennium Development Goals, as well as the Education for All agenda. Education is often included, for similar reasons, in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers. Of course, a great deal depends on what kind of access the poor get to education and training systems, and what quality they find there, and what they can do in the labour market as a result.
Legal risks of electronic commerce
http://perry4law.blogspot.com/2006/01/legal-risks-of-electronic-commerce.html
The aim of this article is to analyse the trade off between the benefits and risks associated in the engagement of e-commerce activities. The discussion though is covering all those who are engaged in the e-commerce activities, but a special emphasis has been laid down on the rights and liabilities of the Network Service providers and the web-site owners
UNESCO's Creative Cities Network
http://portal.unesco.org/culture/en/ev.php-URL_ID=29032&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html
What are Creative Clusters? Business and culture are uniting as creativity and culture are become essential raw materials in production. Creative enterprises are increasingly grouping together into Creative Clusters, pooling their resources into networks and partnerships to cross-stimulate activities, boost creativity, and achieve economies of scale. UNESCO’s Global Alliance for Cultural Diversity has launched the Creative Cities Network, which connects cities around the world in order to harness their creative potential for social and economic development, and supports the concept of Creative Clusters. This promotes cultural entrepreneurship.
August 2006
How to develop sustainable BDS without Radicalism?
http://www.bds-forum.net/BDS-READER/theory/revise-inefficient-fundamentalist-bds-approach.pdf
Dieter Gagel leads an initiative to revise the inefficient fundamentalist full commercial BDS approach of the International Donor Committee.
A critical assessment of the ''new minimalist approach'' to private-sector development
http://www.die-gdi.de/
Paper by Tilman Altenburg and Christian von Drachenfels of the German Development Institute
This paper critically assesses the underlying assumptions of the new private-sector development paradigm and considers whether empirical evidence supports the main hypothesis that the proposed policy focus is sufficient to unleash the growth potential of the private sector, especially in those segments of developing economies where the poor live and work. It shows that while much of the criticism of traditional, supply-side SME policies is well founded and most of the related policy recommendations are highly relevant, the policy mix recommended is far from sufficient to stimulate a vibrant and competitive private sector. Empirical evidence on the effectiveness of some of the core policies recommended is at best patchy.
Private Sector Development in Reintegration and Reconstruction Programmes
http://www.businessenvironment.org/dyn/be/docs/108/GTZPSDinReintegrationandReconstruction.pdf
This GTZ paper by Sabine Becker develops a framework for private sector promotion in post-conflict environments. It begins by analysing the evidence that draws the link between economic development and conflict. This is followed by an encapsulation of current trends in economic development. The purpose is to establish the broader range of private sector development options under normal circumstances. Post-conflict conditions are then examined to narrow down the field of potential interventions. This includes a brief survey on current approaches to emergency aid, reconstruction and reintegration programmes. The resulting framework for private sector development incorporates the intersection of short-term reconstruction processes and long-term economic development strategies.
Rural Finance for Value Chains Quarterly vol 1, no 2
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/businessenvironment/rc/filedownload.do?itemId=1068477
This newsletter is a publication of the Practitioner Learning Program (PLP)in Strategic Alliances for Financial Services and Market Linkages in Rural Areas. The PLP is a SEEP Network initiative for exploring key challenges facing the microenterprise field. The PLP, a competitively run grants program, focuses on generating, communicating, and leveraging the results and lessons from its grants to benefit the industry as a whole.
The Challenges of Measuring Client Retention
http://www.microfinancegateway.com/content/article/detail/34248
This SEEP Network Practitioner Learning Program technical note by C. Waterfield evaluates the history of the microfinance industry's efforts to measure client retention and proposes options for improving how to measure it.
The institutional challenge of the ACP/EU Economic Partnership Agreements
http://www.hwwi.org/
Hamburg Institute of International Economics (HWWI) Research Paper 2-3 by Axel Borrmann and Matthias Busse of the HWWI Research Programme International Trade and Development
Trade or aid: an old fashioned question? European Union and the development of Africa
http://www.die-gdi.de
This German Development Institute paper by Jürgen Wiemann discusses potential strategies for future European engagement in Africa. The author discusses current European Union policy towards Africa with an emphasis on aid. He also focuses on Chinese engagement in Africa, with policies focused more on trade than aid. The author suggests that the European Union must respond to China's increasing influence on the African continent, particularly since China does not share in the US and EU values of promoting good governance and respect for human rights. The author suggests that the EU should take both trade and aid into account in shaping new policies to respond to the increasing visibility of China on the African continent.
2005 Annual Report by KfW Entwicklungsbank and DEG released
http://www.kfw-entwicklungsbank.de/EN_Home/KfW_Entwicklungsbank/News/Annual_Report.jsp
The Report, which is entitled ''Good governance means fair play'', shows what good governance means to people in development cooperation and how it is actually implemented.
Growth and the Investment Climate: Progress and Challenges For Asian Economies
http://www.asia2015conference.org/pdfs/Phillips.pdf
Many Asian countries have had high growth rates in the past two decades due in part to high investment levels by domestic and foreign firms. To maintain the strong performance and increase growth, it is necessary to strengthen the investment climate so that it is easy for firms to invest and reap the rewards of their investments. This paper talks about what affects the investment climate in Asian economies, provides information on their current practices, and suggests ways to improve the investment climate.
International Labour Organisation - SEED Working Paper: Small Enterprise Development - Women's Entrepreneurship Development
http://www.ilo.org/dyn/empent/details.reppubdetails?p_lang=EN&p_rep_pub_id=1398
Promoting Women's Entrepreneurship Development based on Good Practice Programmes: Some Experiences from the North to the South - SEED Working Paper No. 9. The author of this Working Paper, Paula Kantor, has identified relevant good practices from Small Enterprise Development programmes in the developed world that have some potential for replication in promoting and supporting women's entrepreneurship in the developing country context, and a valuable set of findings and recommendations is made available to a wider audience. The focus is on identifying good practices, and the programmes reviewed were selected based on a combination of performance criteria and their potential for replicability. The performance criteria used were: outreach/scale, effectiveness, cost efficiency, impact and sustainability.
A business guide to development actors
http://www.wbcsd.org
This resource tool aims to introduce the business managers to potential partners in the development community. It is a first port of call for managers interested in working with a development organization, but unsure of how to begin. The database contains profiles of not-for-profit organizations working in the field of sustainable development.
Product Diversification in Microfinance: Introducing Individual Lending
http://www.swwb.org/English/PDF/Individual%20Lending%20Sept05.pdf
The goal of this Women’s World Banking (WWB) document is to share WWB’s approach to integrating individual loan products into group lending institutions, describing the processes and tools WWB developed while it provided assistance to its network members around the world. The document aims to provide practical
assistance to the increasing number of group microlenders globally that are embarking on individual lending by providing an overview of issues involved. Author Hans Dellien, Jill Burnett, Anna Gincherman and Elizabeth Lynch
Business for Development - Business solutions in support of the Millennium Development Goals
http://www.wbcsd.org
This publication shows how each individual business initiative can contribute towards achieving a number of Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets. It provides fourteen examples of business models that deliver development benefits, companies describe the particular obstacles to growth they have encountered. In addition to that the report identifies more general issues relating to the contribution of businesses to achieving the MDGs. It also identifies a number of steps which governments should take to facilitate this process.
Outsourcing of Business Processes: The Indian Experience as an Offshore location
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/businessenvironment/rc/filedownload.do?itemId=1067352
Business process outsourcing (BPO) generally refers to the operation of letting out the task of performing certain functions of an enterprise to another enterprise, often a third party and, in some cases, a subsidiary of its own. Under the pressure of non-availability of manpower in the country of origin, many multi-national companies (MNCs) decided to out-source their business processes to far-off locations during the initial phase of globalization.
Combating Corruption: Private Sector Perspectives and Solutions
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/businessenvironment/rc/filedownload.do?itemId=1068108
Corruption in many countries is no longer silently accepted. Largely responsible for the change in attitudes were the increased awareness of costs associated with corruption and the rise in the number of countries that embrace democratic freedoms and market economies. But as the awareness of corruption becomes more widespread, the need for sustainable solutions is more urgent.
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor
http://www.microfinancegateway.com/content/article/detail/34440
CGAP Working Group on Microinsurance Newsletter focusing on insurance models for rural microfinance clients.
Is Youth Entrepreneurship a Necessity or an Opportunity? Surveys in Latin America
http://www.iadb.org/publications/search.cfm?language=English&topics=PS-PYM
Young people who start new enterprises are creating jobs for themselves and reaching their personal goals. However, lack of experience and resources mean that a high per-centage of these efforts fail during the first few months of operation. To reduce the failure rate of youth enterprises and address critical issues during the start-up process, the public and private sectors are increasing their efforts to support young people by providing training, technical assistance and small credits
CIA World Factbook 2006
https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/xx.html
There have been some significant changes to the latest edition of The World Factbook .The successful secession referendum held in Montenegro in May of 2006 allowed it to legally leave its union with Serbia the following month. These two Balkan countries have now been formally recognized and are listed separately in the Factbook.A new Appendix G lists Weights and Measures . The appendix includes information on mathematical notation and metric interrelationships, as well as over 400 examples of standard conversion factors.
Local business, local peace: the peace building potential of the domestic private sector
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC18736
This International Alert publication highlights the domestic private sector's often overlooked peace building potential. Developed and researched with partner organisations and business people from conflict-affected countries around the world, it presents more than 20 case studies where private sector actors have taken proactive steps to address violent conflict in places as varied as Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Guatemala, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Somalia and the South Caucasus.
IFC Publications on Small and Medium Enterprises
http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/sme.nsf/Content/Resources
This site provides access to the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) publications relating to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including a reform implementation toolkit for the Simplification of Business Regulations at the Sub-National Level.
July 2006
The implementation and metamorphosis of the BDS concept,
''From Idea into Action'', GTZ, 2006
http://www.bdsknowledge.org/dyn/bds/bdssearch.details?p_phase_id=525&p_lang=en&p_phase_type_id=6
This publication is a product of a Task Force of GTZ's network. It traces the metamorphosis of thinking in the enterprise development community and more specifically within GTZ over the last 10 years. It shows how an organization that embraces change is able to significantly contribute to the emergence of a new agenda based on market development approaches to increasing the access of the private sector to better and more effective services from public and private organizations. We hope that you will appreciate this candid and analytical reflection of our learning process.
Colonialism, Socialism and Democratization in São Tomé and Príncipe
http://seibert.gulli.to
This secon edition of Comrades, Clients and Cousins by Gerhard Seibert analyses the course of political and economic changes in postcolonial São Tomé and Príncipe. The central issue of the book is towhich extent institutional changes based on externalmodels altered local patterns of political culture and of doing politics. In addition, it examines theoutcome of the consecutive economic policies and development approaches patterned on theses models. This second edition has been completely revised and updated for the period of 1998-2005, including the recent developments in the country's emerging oil sector.
Formalisation of Informal Enterprises: Economic Growth and Poverty
http://www2.gtz.de/wbf/doc/SV-PSD_Formalisation_Informal_Enterprises.pdf
Authors: Esther Ishengoma, Robert Kappel, GTZ 2006
Several studies have reported on factors that impede the formalisation of the IS emphasising the high costs of formalisation and the lack of incentives for operating in the formal sector. Various approaches have been adopted by stakeholders in order to overcome these problems and this paper aims to assess these approaches and the factors related to informality-formality trade-off as well as the matter of formalisation as a solution for firms' growth. By deliberating over the problems faced by informal enterprises and the literature addressing the options for accelerating the formalisation of informal enterprises, the paper will briefly summarise the weaknesses of these approaches. From this point the paper is organised into six sections: Section 2 conceptualises the informality of a firm and highlights factors hindering the growth of informal enterprises. Section 3 addresses barriers to entry into the formal sector with a special focus on the costs of formalisation and the opportunity costs of informality. Section 4 tries to associate informality with poverty and economic growth. Based on the views of scholars and donor and governmental initiatives, section 5 describes measures taken to accelerate the formalisation process. Section 6 is a conclusion and offers recommendations.
Little Book of External Debt 2006
http://publications.worldbank.org/ecommerce/catalog/product?item_id=5625826
This first edition of The Little Book on External Debt provides a quick reference for users interested in external debt stocks and flows, major economic aggregates, key debt ratios, and the currency composition of long-term debt for all countries reporting through the Debtor Reporting system. A pocket edition of the Global Development Finance 2006, Volume II: Summary and Country Tables, it contains statistical tables for 135 countries as well as summary tables for regional and income groups.
The Utstein Group - Fiscal Decentralisation and Corruption
http://www.u4.no/themes/pfm/u4issue3_06kolstad.pdf
In the 1990s, decentralisation became a development fad. While the long-term impacts of decentralisation remain to be seen, executive redesign can have significant effects on corruption.
A Participatory and Area-based Approach to Rural Agroenterprise Development
http://www.ciat.cgiar.org/agroempresas/ingles/
This publication provides an overview of CIAT's approach to rural agroenterprise development. The participatory and area-based or ''territorial'' approach is derived from a number of methods and tools that have been developed by the Rural Agroenterprise Development project team and its partners through project work in Latin America, Africa and Asia over the past 10 years. The aim of this set of methods and tools is to meet the entrepreneurial development needs of service providers.
Globalisation, liberalisation, and protectionism: The global framework affecting rural producers in developing countries
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC22077
This Third World Network (TWN) paper provides an overview of the phenomenon of globalisation and its effects on the conditions of rural producers in developing countries. It begins by outlining the features of globalisation. It argues that globalisation's most important aspect is the ''globalisation of policy making'', and that global rules are a strange combination of liberalisation and protectionism. The paper the discusses recent developments in the WTO, including the proposals in the negotiations on agriculture that have been put forward by leading developed and developing countries. It examines the issue of low and declining commodity prices and their effects on developing countries, using coffee as an example.
Institutions and Economic Performance in Africa:
A Comparative Analysis of Mauritius, Botswana and Uganda
http://www.wider.unu.edu/publications/rps/rps2006/rp2006-73.pdf
WIDER Research Paper 2006/73 by Julius Kiiza
This paper examines the relationship between institution building and economic performance in Mauritius, Botswana and Uganda. The rationale for comparing these cases is simple: while the three have been super-economic stars in their own right, they have achieved substantially different outcomes. Mauritius has achieved Asia-type rapid growth, backed by the structural transformation of the economy from colonial commodity production (sugar) to postcolonial higher value-added industrial and information outcomes. Botswana has delivered rapid and sustained growth with no structural economic transformation. Uganda has attained rapid growth for a shorter postcolonial period (since 1992) and with no structural transformation. This paper contends that these cross-national differences largely arise from the presence of developmental nationalism 'plus' Weberian bureaucracies in Mauritius and Botswana, and their absence in Uganda. Contributor: Adam Swallow
Macroeconomic Challenges of Scaling Up Aid to Africa
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/afr/aid/2006/eng/aid.pdf
This International Monetary Fund handbook provides a checklist of the macroeconomic challenges that low-income countries are likely to face if they begin to receive significantly higher official development assistance (ODA) than in the recent past. The checklist, which is derived from a survey of the economic literature, is a tool for developing illustrative macroeconomic scenarios for individual countries in response to a scaling up of aid flows.
Small Enterprise Development - June edition
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/itpub/sedv/2006/00000017/00000002
ITDG Publishing, Volume 17, Number 2, June 2006 / 7/4/2006
Most recent issue of the International journal of microfinance and business development on value chain development.
Is small still relevant? Author: Vandenberg, Paul
Mapping the market: participatory market-chain development in practice. Authors: Albu, Mike; Griffith, Alison
Value chain programmes to integrate competitiveness, economic growth and poverty reduction. Authors: Kula, Olaf; Downing, Jeanne; Field, Michael
Shea kernels from Mali: a value chain case study. Authors: Lusby, Frank; Derks, Eric
From behind the veil: industry-level methodologies for disadvantaged communities in Pakistan. Authors: Jones, Linda; Snelgrove, Alexandra
A retrospective assessment of the Kenya Voucher Training Programme. Author: Hallberg, Kris
Knowledge for Development Program Newsletter, July 2006
http://www.worldbank.org/wbi/knowledgefordevelopment
A quarterly publication for professionals interested in the knowledge economy issues, including economic and institutional regime, education, innovation and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). World Bank Institute.
Bringing Pro-Consumer Ideals to the Clien:t A Consumer Protection Guide for Financial Institutions Serving the Poor
http://www.accion.org/pubs/
This ACCION Monograph No. 14. guides institutions through the process of incorporating consumer protection principles into their organizational philosophies and operations. This monograph is part of the pro-consumer initiatives of ACCION International and the MicroFinance Network. The first stage of this initiative was to develop and adopt a Pro-Consumer Pledge in 2004 among network members. The Pledge defines principles to equip microfinance customers with rights - and knowledge of these rights - while minimizing the operating costs so that MFIs can remain sustainable in the long-term. This report outlines tangible ways in which MFIs are currently integrating the ideals of the Pro-Consumer Pledge into their operations.
A business guide to development actors
http://www.wbcsd.org
This resource tool aims to introduce the business managers to potential partners in the development community. It is a first port of call for managers interested in working with a development organization, but unsure of how to begin. The database contains profiles of not-for-profit organizations working in the field of sustainable development.
Actualités des services aux entreprises
http://snipurl.com/t5xb
Ce premier numéro de l'année 2006 inaugure une formule un peu différente, que nous avons pu découvrir au cours de ces six premiers mois, privilégiant davantage l'actualité. Ce numéro multithématique comprend les textes les plus récents sur quelques sujets phares et expériences concrètes des services aux petites entreprises dans les pays en développement. Des tendances en matière de développement du secteur privé au rôle du facilitateur, en passant par l'évolution de l'industrie agroalimentaire mondiale et ses répercussions sur les filières internationales, les différents textes de réflexion proposés permettent d'appréhender les dernières évolutions et les débats actuels dans ce domaine du développement en mutation.
The Private Sector & the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/businessenvironment/rc/filedownload.do?itemId=1066807
Countries lack the incentives and resources to fulfill the implication of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention. Transparency International has indicated in a recent study that the majority of OECD member-states have not implemented their obligations under the Convention. Private companies that have lost major tenders as a result of corruption may have the resources and incentives to achieve the goals of the Convention. The attached presentation was given at the the National Law School of the University of India (Bangalore).. Contributor: Ethan Burger
Corporate Governance, Innovative Enterprise, and Economic Development
http://www.wider.unu.edu/publications/rps/rps2006/rp2006-71.pdf
WIDER Research Paper 2006/71 by William Lazonick
The notion that good corporate governance means maximizing shareholder value derives from the neoclassical theory of the market economy. I explain why this perspective is highly problematic for understanding the operation and performance of the business corporation and hence the institutions that, for the sake of economic development, should govern it. The main problem is that the market-economy perspective cannot comprehend the process of innovation, including the role of the business corporation. I construct a theory of the innovating firm that, when embedded in comparative-historical analysis, provides a basis for analyzing the relation between corporate governance institutions and economic development. Contributor: Adam Swallow.
DFID Development Works
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/pubs/files/development-works.pdf
Every day, every week, every year, DFID, is fighting poverty on behalf of the UK public. This little book of successes highlights 52 case studies, one a week for a year, to show the range of work that DFID supports and the real impact that it is making on the lives of real people around the world.
June 2006
SEEP Network, Practitioner Learning Program in BDS Market Assessment
How to Use Market Assessment Information to Design and Implement a BDS Market Development Program
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/businessenvironment/rc/filedownload.do?itemId=1062537
Discussion Synthesis no. 3. During August through December 2003, The SEEP Network’s Practitioner Learning Program in Business Development Services Market Assessment (PLP in BDS MA) conducted its third e-mail-based, moderated discussion on the following topic: How to use market assessment information to design and implement a BDS market development program. The discussion is the culmination of two years of sharing experiences, lessons learned, and insights from planning a market assessment to the process of conducting a market assessment to piloting market development interventions.
New format for privatization toolkits
http://rru.worldbank.org/Toolkits
The World Bank has re-launched our privatization toolkits in a new, more condensed format.
UNDP's Toolkit for private sector development
http://www.undp.org/psd-toolkit/
This toolkit represents a small technical step, building on previous and ongoing work that will support UNDP's ability to programme in this area. The aim is to assist programme officers working in domestic PSD, and others who are interested in the area, to gain understanding of the PSD paradigm and to structure the analysis they carry out in designing programmes and projects in line with UNDP's mission and oriented towards attaining the MDGs.
2005 Annual Report by KfW Entwicklungsbank and DEG
http://www.kfw-entwicklungsbank.de/EN_Home/KfW_Entwicklungsbank/News/Annual_Report.jsp
The Report, which is entitled ''Good governance means fair play'', shows what good governance means to people in development cooperation and how it is actually implemented.
Voices of the South on Globalisation
http://www.ipseurope.org/voices/voices_of_the_south_april06.pdf
A new monthly newsletter on the North South dialogue by InterPressService and Friedrich-Ebert Foundation.
From the "Washington" towards a "Vienna Consensus"?
A quantitative analyses on globalization, development and global governance
http://www.caei.com.ar/ebooks/ebook1.pdf
Paper by Arno Tausch for the Centro Argentino de Estudios Internacionales prepared for the discussion process leading up to the EU-Latin Americaand Caribbean Summit 2006 in Vienna, Austria
Business against corruption: a framework for action
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC21996
This Global Compact report is a guide to companies preparing themselves to implement the objectives set out in UN's tenth principle to fight corruption within business operations. It examines why companies should fight corruption and outlines a number of practical steps to fight internal and external corruption.
Making EPAs work for the poor: Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and political alternatives
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC21671
This report examines whether the current EU - ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific ) countries trade negotiations within the framework of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement (CPA), will reduce and eventually eradicate poverty. It brings together the viewpoints of African and European civil society, and discusses the options, advantages as well as limitations of some of the alternatives to EPAs currently under debate. Authors: Ecumenical Service for Advocacy Work on Southern Africa (KASA); Coordination Southern Africa (KOSA); Network Africa Germany (NAD); Terre des hommes Deutschland. Produced by World Economy, Ecology and Development (WEED)
Improving trade related capacity building in LDCs
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC21613
Lessons from a survey of initiatives in Tanzania and Eastern Africa
Using Tanzania as a case study, this paper by F. Matambalya examines the status quo of trade and investment related capacity building in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The paper shows that only very few institutions in developing countries have designed and operationalised trade and investment-related training and education programmes. This has led to difficulties in building national and international networks as well as limited effectiveness of trade and investment related aid. To conclude that paper argues that several measures can be used to redress the challenges facing the trade and related capacity building programmes.
Information and Communications for Development 2006
http://rru.worldbank.org/Features/ConnectingDevelopment.aspx
This new World Bank report, "Information and Communications for Development 2006: Global Trends and Policies," focuses on the critical role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in economic development. The volume discusses ICT trends in developing countries – covering issues such as infrastructure financing, the importance of public-private partnerships and effective competition to extending access, foreign investment trends, and the role of ICT in doing business. The report shows that developing country firms that use ICT grow faster, invest more, and are more productive than those that do not.
May 2006
New World Bank reading list: Measuring the cost of corruption
http://rru.worldbank.org/PapersLinks/Measuring-the-Cost-of-Corruption
Corruption - the theft of public resources for private gain – imposes large costs on businesses and society. The first type of costs is redistributive. Redistribution costs are incurred whenever businesses or individuals with more financial or political power abuse their privileged position to gain contracts or services (including regulatory services) at the expense of their competitors. The second type is a welfare cost to the overall economy where inefficiencies make everyone worse off. Research has only recently started to quantify the various ways in which corruption retards private sector development. Some of these attempts have been gathered in this new reading list.
Programming in trade-related capacity building: a resource tool for practitioners
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC21689
In addressing the limitations many developing countries face in terms of reaping the benefits of market and trade liberalisation, donors have been increasingly active in supporting trade-related capacity building (TRCB). This North-South Institute resource tool draws lessons from the existing knowledge and evaluations of TRCB and provides examples of projects that illustrate good practice.
A recipe for disaster: will the Doha Round fail to deliver for development?
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what_we_do/issues/trade/downloads/bp87_recipe.pdf
As another deadline (July 2006) approaches in the Doha Round of trade negotiations, this timely Oxfam report argues that, unless the current offers from those involved in the Doha negotiating process change, developing countries would be better off missing the current deadline and waiting longer for a new set of rules. In this way, developing countries could hold out for the reforms that they were promised, and avoid sacrificing future economic development.
Do we need a Monopoly for Private Sector Development Strategies?
http://www.bds-ethiopia.net/newsletter/newsletter13.htm
Article by Dieter Gagel in the Ethiopian BDS Newsletter. All about Theory and Practice of Business Development Services (BDS) and revised paradigms. n contrast to the initial rigid ‘‘full-commercial BDS approach’‘ of 1998/2002 focussing exclusively on commercial BDS providers and considered as a binding law by many donor agencies, you will find our new revised 2003-2006 experience of mixed private sector development interventions including commercial BDS providers as well as self-help business associations and chambers of commerce, NGOs and public support institutions.
Inventory of BDS Market Assessment Methods for Programs Targeting Microenterprises
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/microfinance/
Practitioner Learning Program in BDS Market Assessment, The SEEP Network, Technical Note no. 4. This technical note describes the market assessment methods used by 10 organizations in the Practitioner Learning Program (PLP) in Business Development Services (BDS) Market Assessment (MA). The note does not give a complete overview of all methods that could be adapted and applied in BDS MA for microenterprises. Instead, it focuses on those methods which the PLP organizations actually used and found to be particularly well suited to investigating markets that include microenterprises. For each method, the technical note provides an appraisal of the advantages, disadvantages, and knowledge and skills required for the method as well as tips for using the method, based on examples from the PLP and other programs
Recommendations on Donor Guidelines to Support Microfinance Associations
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/microfinance/
The SEEP Network, Network Development Services Technical Note #2. Also available in French and Spanish.
Knowledge, Technology and Cluster-Based Growth in Africa
http://web.worldbank.org
In Africa, there are pockets of vitalities, especially demonstrated in the form of enterprise clusters, scattered in various countries and industries. Knowledge for Development Program conducted a study of eleven enterprise clusters in five low-income and two middle-income countries in Africa.
The End of Poverty: An Interview with Jeffrey Sachs
http://www.motherjones.com/news/qa/2005/05/jeffrey_sachs.html
Interview with Jeffrey Sachs, one of the world's top economists, who offers a blueprint for transforming the developing world. In order to figure out how to reach the MDGs, Annan organized a panel of over 250 development experts to lay out practical strategies for promoting rapid development. Headed by economist Jeffrey Sachs, the panel published their final report in January of 2005. Shortly after the release of the UN report came the publication of Sachs' book, The End of Poverty, in which he laid out his own strategies for eradicating poverty by 2025.
Economic Growth in the 1990s: Learning from a Decade of Reform
http://www1.worldbank.org/prem/lessons1990s/
The World Bank's Poverty Reduction and Economic Management (PREM) Network has prepared this study on development lessons of the 1990s. The report reviews the growth impact of the main policy and institutional reforms introduced in the 1990s, presents a broad perspective on the events, country experiences, academic research and controversies of the decade, and reflects on how they alter our thinking about economic growth. It complements a series of lectures by leading development practitioners such as Larry Summers, President of Harvard University and Former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, and Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Former President and Former Minister of Finance of Brazil, discussed their experience as policy makers at the forefront of policy implementation in the 1990s.
Update: Interactive Knowledge Economy Benchmarking Tool – Knowledge Assessment Methodology 2006
http://web.worldbank.org
March 2006 update. The KAM uses more then 80 structural and qualitative variables for a group of 128 countries to generate a range of comparative data tables, charts and diagrams for a simple visual representation of different aspects of countries’ Knowledge Economy readiness. Various modes can display and compare countries’ overall Knowledge (KI) and Knowledge Economy (KEI) indexes and demonstrate performance scores on the four main Knowledge Economy pillars: Economic Incentive and Institutional Regime, Education, Innovation, and Information & Communications Technology (ICT). World Bank Institute.
Business Against Corruption - A Framework for Action
http://www.globalcompact.org/docs/news_events/8.1/bac_fin.pdf
To help companies deal with corruption in every aspect of their operations, the UN Global Compact, the Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum, and Transparency International have jointly published ‘‘Business Against Corruption - A Framework for Action’‘. It is a first guide for companies preparing themselves to implement the objectives of the tenth principle and to deal with corruption in every aspect of their operations. It provides a road map to sources and tools which will assist in the practical application of policies designed to eliminate corruption.
April 2006
DG Development's E-Courier newsletter article: The 10th European Development Fund: stepping up a gear in the fight against poverty
http://europa.eu.int/comm/development/body/news/mt_03_2006_en.pdf#zoom=100
The 10th EDF: stepping up a gear in the fight against poverty
Making tourism more sustainable: a guide for policy makers
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC21472
The purpose of this document by G. Carbone and E. Yunis is to provide governments with guidance and a framework for the development of policies for more sustainable tourism as well as a toolbox of instruments that they can use to implement those policies. Shaping sustainable tourism looks at the process of developing a tourism strategy that embraces sustainability and identifies some of the strategic choices that need to be made. It looks at product and market selection, and introduces the tools that may be used to influence tourism development, the operation of tourism enterprises and the behaviour of visitors.
Developing smallholder agriculture
http://www.smallholderagriculture.com
Developing Smallholder Agriculture is thus a very practical book by Richard L. Tinsley. It promotes looking beyond technology and development. Dissemination concentrates on the supporting services that smallholders need to enable them to enhance their crop management. It emphasizes the importance of village-level, private micro-enterprises as a cost-effective means of assisting smallholders, and questions the potential of governments and public sector institutions in providing these support services.
Innovative methods for BDS market Development
http://www.bds-ethiopia.net/news.htm
Create Funds for non-financial Services in Collaboration with Banks, Special Edition April 2006 of the BDS Newsletter by Dieter Gagel
Graduating the Poorest into Microfinance
http://www.cgap.org/docs/FocusNote_34.pdf
New CGAP Paper Makes the Case for Linking Safety Nets and Financial Services
This paper discusses the opportunities—and existing models—of linking these two programs together to reach the most marginalized populations. Microfinance can be a powerful tool to break the exclusion of poor people from formal financial services. But despite a few notable exceptions, microfinance has not been able to provide services to the poorest and the destitute. These populations, many of them surviving well below the bottom rung of the economic ladder, have been the focus of another important development initiative—safety nets.
Assessing World Bank Support for Trade 1987-2004: An IEG Evaluation
http://www.worldbank.org/ieg/trade/?intcomp=544813
The World Bank's Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) has issued the first comprehensive and independent assessment of Bank assistance for trade. The report finds that despite greater openness, full benefits from trade are yet to be realized.
Economic impact of natural disasters on development in the Pacific
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC21454
Authors: McKenzie, E.; Prasad, B.; Kaloumaira, A.
Produced by: Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) (2006)
This report responds to a lack in practical materials for measuring the impacts of natural disasters.
Macroeconomic challenges of scaling up aid to Africa: a checklist for practitioners
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC21367
Authors: Gupta, S.; Powell, R.; Yang, Y.
This new IMF handbook is intended as a practical guide for assessing the macroeconomic implications and challenges associated with a significant scaling up of aid to African countries. Its purpose is to provide a resource for policymakers, practicing economists in African countries, and staff of international financial institutions and donor agencies who participate in the preparation of medium-term strategies for individual African countries, including in the context of Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs).
What works: serving the poor, profitably
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC21218
This article by C.K. Prahalad and A. Hammond, from the World Resources Institute, considers how the global market system could be expanded to provide direct benefits and opportunity to poor communities. There are nearly 4 billion people who live in relative poverty, forming a market which the article refers to as the bottom of the economic pyramid (BOP). The authors argue that multi-national corporations could use their reach, scale and resources to bring poor communities into the market and provide them with affordable basic goods and services. The report: addresses the misperceptions of this notion; documents the business case for private sector involvement at BOP; illustrates the possibilities of ICT (information and communication technologies) as a development tool when linked to appropriate business models; and describes corporate strategies for making this happen.
The authors argue that there are powerful business drivers for expanding the market at the BOP. They also argue that there is an undeniable social need for this: jobs, access to affordable basic services and other social benefits could emerge from this sort of engagement. Moreover, the creation of markets and workable business models could be a more effective solution to poverty than increased foreign aid alone. The authors conclude that the real needs and opportunities at the BOP mean that the private sector needs to engage and learn.
Trade, FDI, and the organisation of firms
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC21388
This literature review examines new trends and developments in the theories of international trade and foreign direct investment. In particular it focuses on the need to model alternative forms of business involvement in foreign activities. The theoretical refinements identified have focused on the individual firm, studying its choices in response to its own characteristics, the nature of the industry in which it operates, and the opportunities afforded by foreign trade and investment. Important among these choices are organisational features, such as sourcing strategies. But the theory has gone beyond the individual firm, studying the implications of firm behavior for the structure of industries. It provides new explanations for trade structure and patterns of FDI, both within and across industries, and has identified new sources of comparative advantage. By E. Helpman of the US National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).
Reinventing UNCTAD
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC17863
This South Centre paper by Boutros Boutros-Ghali examines the development of UNCTAD since its inception in 1964, and proposes possible steps for reform. The paper looks at UNCTAD's mandate, its achievements and its decline. It also makes a case for revitalising UNCTAD, and makes suggestions how this can be achieved. The paper argues that it is necessary to breathe new life into these wide-ranging and unique mandates and revive the roles and functions of UNCTAD to their full potential, because: UNCTADs mandate to ''promote international trade, especially with a view to accelerating economic development.'' is unique within the UN system, and following this mandate is essential to the interest of developing countries and the international community as a whole as developing countries increasingly feel that globalisation and liberalisation is not the answer to their economic problems, they are looking to the UN system to suggest alternative approaches and as negotiation in the WTO are stalled, UNCTAD might offer a way forward. The paper argues that the revitalisation of UNCTAD very much depends upon the unity, dynamism and the sense of purpose of the Group of 77. In order to revive UNCTAD, the paper suggests a number of issues that need to be kept in mind: The first and the most important precondition for revitalizing UNCTAD is to recognise the need for alternative views on economic polices from a development angle. UNCTAD should complement civil society organisations in their research efforts, thereby lending them a stronger voice and to ultimately advance alternative views through research and analysis thereby bridging the gap that has developed in intellectual pluralism. UNTCADs negotiating role needs to be revived, and one of the important steps that developing countries can take, is to confine rule-making on development issues to UNCTAD and not to dissipate their time, energy and resources in discussing them in WTO. In order to take an over-all integrated view of global economic issues, various sectoral or area specific issues that are today debated in an isolated fashion in different organisations of the UN system should be pulled together by UNCTAD for an analysis on an integrated basis. UNCTAD needs to take steps that foster its ability to provide an instrument and a forum for South-South cooperation.
Aid for Trade presentation by Joseph Stiglitz
http://www.dgroups.org
Stiglitz provides a general overview of what aid for trade could/should cover. He mainly suggest to make these aid commitments binding in WTO (and thus open for challenge if the developed countries don't comply with the agreement) . It seems however that his proposal to create one global trust fund, managed by the World Bank was not well received by many, including the WB itself.
Better data needed to assess impact of FDI
http://www.unctad.org/en/docs/webiteiia20063_en.pdf
According to this recent UNCTAD report assessing the impact of FDI on economic development for a country in general, and the effectiveness of investment promotion campaigns in particular, requires better data on both FDI and the activities of multinational enterprises. Despite improvements in data collection efforts over time, widespread differences amongst countries in terms of methodologies and definitions utilized still persist. As a result, both policy makers and investment promotion agencies are challenged in formulating appropriate FDI policies or in evaluating promotional efforts. Data harmonization, training and technical support, with the assistance of multilateral agencies, such as the IMF and the OECD, would be important to ameliorate the state of FDI data collection efforts.
March 2006
Capacity development for policy advocacy: current thinking and approaches among agencies supporting civil society organisations
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC20939
Produced by: Overseas Development Institute (ODI) (2006), Authors: Blagescu, M.; Young, J.
ODI's Civil Society Partnerships Programme (CSPP) is designed to enable civil society organisations to use evidence and engage with policy processes more effectively, establishing partnerships with Southern NGOs. This Working Paper focuses on capacity-building elements of the programme, providing background and commentary on current principles and practice in capacity building for Southern organisations involved in using research based evidence in policy processes.
BDS - Newsletter: Special Edition for Document Management
http://www.bds-ethiopia.net/news.htm
Even experienced experts often create big-size WinWord or PowerPoint files of 3-8 Megabytes or more due to non-compressed pictures included. These files create problems for e-mail and Internet users in developing countries with insufficient Internet connections. This Special Edition has many hints for better document management.
OECD Development Co-operation Report, 2005
http://www.oecd.org/
Donor nations will succeed in honouring their 130 billion dollar aid pledge by 2010 only if they double the rate of recent increases in development assistance next year onwards. The authoritative source of information on the foreign aid policies and programmes of donor countries, the annual Development Co-operation Report by the Chair of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) presents detailed statistics and analysis, this year providing an insight into some of the urgent and intractable issues that members have been working together to address in 2005.
Investment Provisions in Free Trade Agreements and Investment Treaties:
Opportunities And Threats For Developing Countries.
http://www.undprcc.lk/web_trade/publications/BIT-completed.pdf
By Mark Halle and Luke Eric Peterson. Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Initiative, UN Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Centre in Colombo, December 2005. This paper discusses the trend towards broad trade and economic agreements currently being signed by Asian governments. These agreements provide significant international legal protection for foreign direct investment, often including separate commitments for liberalisation and opening toward foreign investment. These investment agreements apply to the full range of economic sectors and make it difficult for governments to regulate liberalised sectors or revert to public ownership should they deem private provision to have failed. These agreements are producing significant consequences for policy-makers, specifically in areas relating to the promotion of human development.
Making EPAs work for the Poor - Weed
http://www.weed-online.org/publikationen/broschueren/103441.html
''Free trade as a means of poverty eradication”? The leading question of the Bonn Conference of 21 October 2005 addressed the following crucial issue in the current EU ACP trade negotiations within the framework of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement (CPA): Does the CPA’s trade component in its envisaged form of ''Economic Partnership Agreements” (EPAs) effectively foster the CPA’s central objective, that of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, ''…consistent with the objectives of sustainable development and the gradual integration of the ACP countries into the world economy”?
Aid for trade - why and how?
http://www.ileap-jeicp.org ByInternational Lawyers and Economists Against Poverty (ILEAP), December 2005. There is now widespread agreement that for low-income countries, particularly the least developed among them, the WTO's Doha Round will promote development only if two conditions are met. The first is an ambitious and balanced market access package in key areas such as agriculture or services. This, however, needs to be complemented by actions to address these countries' insufficient infrastructural, institutional and human capacity. This article discusses the need for an expanded aid for trade package to complement the balanced market access package in order for the Doha Round to successfully promote development in low-income countries. Such an agenda is needed to help ease the cost of implementing new standards and domestic policy changes, to alleviate the burden that may result from non-discriminatory trade liberalisation, and to provide assistance with trade policy development and trade facilitation. The paper proceeds to outline how to design and implement an effective aid for trade program.
Methodological and data challenges to identifying the impacts of globalisation and liberalisation on inequality
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC20905
Globalisation and liberalisation (G&L) are two of the defining features of the last couple of decades. Both have given rise to contentious debate, with views ranging from the most optimistic to the most sceptical. This UNRISD paper reviews the evidence on how the two trends have affected inequality - and thus poverty - at both the global and domestic levels. The absence of consensus on these effects reflects both the dearth of adequate quantitative information and the lack of and difficulty in the analysis of the causal links among the issues. The author argues that there is a lack of consensus on the effects of G&L, together with a dearth of qualitative information and thus analysis of the causal links between the issues. These weaknesses, he argues, interact with the strongly held prejudices of many advocates and critics of G&L, resulting in weak analyses and the extreme range of views.
IMP Paper: Are donor countries giving more or less aid?
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC20789
This IMF working paper looks at how the volume of foreign aid has increased during the last four decades, albeit with interruptions in certain years. Over time, the major recipients have changed: while the share of aid to Asia has diminished since the 1980s, that destined for sub-Saharan Africa has grown. The paper concludes that for aid to play a significant role in poverty reduction, the proposed scaling up should be accompanied by a close examination of practices that have hampered countries' ability to use aid effectively in the past.
Geographical Distribution of Financial Flows to Aid Recipients 2000/2004: 2006 Edition
http://www.weitzenegger/oo/oecd.html
This OECD publication provides comprehensive data on the volume, origin and types of aid and other resource flows to over 180 recipient countries, including countries in transition in eastern Europe for the period 2000-2004. The data show each country's intake of Official Development Assistance or Official Aid, as well as other official and private funds from Members of the Development Assistance Committee of the OECD, multilateral agencies and other donors. Key development indicators are given for reference.
Political Participation and Good Governance - 21st Century Challenges: UNDP
http://www.countryanalyticwork.net
After years of effort by the international community gender equality has finally been inscribed on the political agenda of most of the world. For example, the Beijing Platform for Action set the goal of 30 percent for women in national decision-making positions, as a milestone toward the ultimate objective of 50 percent. Five years after Beijing, the level of women in parliaments in the world had increased from 10 percent to 12 percent overall. However, regional variations were significant. They ranged from 37.6 percent in the Nordic countries to 15.5 percent in the Americas to 13.4 percent in Asia and only 3.3 percent in the Arab States.
Simplification of Business Regulations at the Sub-National Level: A Reform Implementation Toolkit for Project Teams
http://www.ifc.org
The emphasis in this toolkit is on sub-national regulation generally and municipal regulations specifically, since most interaction between ''government” and ''business” occurs at the local or regional level. National regulatory policies may influence or affect investment decisions, but post-investment operations are influenced by other levels of government having legal authority over such operational activities -- principally those at the municipal level. This toolkit provides a thorough overview of the process of simplifying business regulations at the municipal level.
Privatization in Developing Countries: A Summary Assessment
http://www.eces.org.eg/Downloads/ECESDLS24e.pdf
This lecture by John Nellis assesses the outcome of privatization to date in terms of its impact on the economy in general and privatized firms in particular. Author John Nellis finds that the economic impact of privatization is positive in the majority of cases. He recommends that governments seek to enhance competition, establish effective regulation of monopolies, conduct the sale process in a transparent manner, and devise reasonable packages to compensate the losers. At the end, there's a summary of a moderated discussion that occurred following the lecture presentation.
Building the Capacity of BMOs: Guiding Principles for Project Managers
http://www.ifc.org
''Business Membership Organizations” (BMOs) generally refer to various organizations where companies or individual entrepreneurs are members – such as chambers of commerce or business associations. BMOs can be a platform for promoting a better investment climate in developing countries. This toolkit tries to increase the effectiveness of BMOs by providing guidance on how to increase their capacity, analysis of internal management challenges frequently faced in BMOs, key reference documents and case studies that support the toolkit's findings
Framework for Evaluating the Impact of Small Enterprise Initiatives
http://www.enterprise-impact.org.uk/
This paper by Eric Oldsman and Kris Hallberg, Enterprise Development Impact Assessment Information Service, presents a framework for evaluating the impact of donor- funded initiatives designed to promote small enterprise development. We show how to use program logic models to structure the chain of causality between program inputs, outputs and outcomes. Issues relevant to all evaluations -- attribution, the scope of evaluation, the choice of indicators and evaluation methodologies, and tradeoffs in evaluation design -- are discussed in the context of small enterprise programs. Focusing on interventions to develop markets for business development services, the paper shows how to apply these principles in practice, illustrating different approaches with examples drawn from the literature and previous examples of donor-funded programs.''
Value Chain for Rural Development: Syntheses from the Community of Practice
http://www.sdc-valuechains.ch/index.php?navID=153
Following 6 cycles of discussion on 6 different topics about value chains promotion for rural development, a compilation of the insights from the discussion is now available. Willing to know more about what conceptualists and practitioners think and do in this domain?
KfW: Poverty and transport
http://www.kfw-entwicklungsbank.de/EN_Home/Service/Onlinelibr23/Medienkoop.jsp
Consistent transport concepts benefit all population strata. Experience shows that they are a special priority of poor people. Only those models that include maintenance can function on a sustained basis. The experiences gained in this area have since been put to use in cooperation with the magazine Development + Cooperation.
Employment, Income and the MDG's: Critical Linkages and Guiding Actions
http://www.deza.admin.ch/index.php?navID=21145&langID=1
The employment and income section from SDC, in collaboration with its support mandate ''Fauno'' produced the paper cited above.
What can innovative banking technologies do for microfinance?''
http://www.microfinancegateway.org/resource_centers/technology
This is just one of the questions addressed in CGAP's Focus Note 32, ''Using Technology to Build Inclusive Financial Systems.'' The paper presents the state of the industry and a rationale for CGAP's technology program. The program seeks to understand how poor people use technology to access financial services, applying these lessons through large-scale experiments with selected banks and technology companies. Throughout, CGAP is helping to identify practical approaches to regulating technology delivery channels.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk in Microfinance: What Is It and How Can It be Managed?,
http://www.cgap.org/docs/FocusNote_31.pdf
A growing supply of hard currency financing in the microfinance industry means that microfinance institutions are increasingly exposed to foreign exchange risk. CGAP's latest Focus Note is intended to help MFIs to assess hard currency debt, and to help investors to be more responsible in ensuring that MFIs fully understand the risks they assume.
Institutional Strengthening of the Tax System in Ghana: GTZ
http://www.countryanalyticwork.net
For each tax administration in the world, taxing informal businesses is a hard job. Cumbersome registration procedures and sluggish official institutions discourage even the most conscientious entrepreneur from registering their business. Other entrepreneurs take advantage of the lack of administrative capacity and remain purposely unregistered and unknown to the revenue agencies. In Ghana, official institutions have for a long time been trying to reduce the gap between the formal and informal sector. One of the strategies included simplification of the registration process, but only a few businesses could be convinced to enter the formal sector.
Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2005 Executive Report
http://www.gemconsortium.org/document.asp?id=448
This report constitutes the seventh annual assessment and review of the state of entrepreneurship in countries participating in the GEM project. Since its inception in 1999 by scholars at Babson College and London Business School, GEM has developed into one of the world?s leading research consortium concerned with improving the understanding of the relationship(s) between entrepreneurial activity and national economic growth. To this end, the project has, from the start, been designed as a multinational research program providing annual assessments of the entrepreneurial sector for a range of countries.
Building the capacity of business membership organisations: Guiding principles for project managers
http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/sme.nsf/Content/Publications
''Business Membership Organizations'' (BMOs) generally refer to various organizations where companies or individual entrepreneurs are members - such as chambers of commerce or business associations. BMOs can be a platform for promoting a better investment climate in developing countries. This toolkit tries to increase the effectiveness of BMOs by providing guidance on how to increase their capacity, analysis of internal management challenges frequently faced in BMOs, key reference documents and case studies that support the toolkit's findings.
Politics and poverty reduction strategies: lessons from Latin American HIPCs
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC20922
This ODI paper addresses the perception that poverty reduction strategy (PRS) processes in Latin America and the Caribbean have not grappled effectively with politics, and have not engaged successfully with political actors and institutions. The authors draw upon evidence from documents and interviews on how this situation has arisen and how it might be confronted. It is based on experience in three Latin American highly indebted poor countries (HIPCs): Bolivia, Honduras and Nicaragua. The paper's overall argument is that the PRS approach has been compromised by the fact that a single instrument - preparation of a comprehensive plan document, with broad consultation - has been made to serve different purposes. In reality, these need to be met in different ways. As a consequence, it has served none particularly well, although some better than others. Its key failing, according to the authors, has been a lack of political will to buy-in to poverty reduction as an objective.
Small Developing Economies and the Multilateral Trading System: A Caribbean perspective
http://www.crnm.org/documents/studies/staff%20papers/CFM_Bernal.pdf
Small developing economies are a subset of the developing countries economic category. Their concerns and objectives are distinct, and in some cases unique, differing from other developing economies. They must participate in trade negotiations in order to ensure that their particular specialised interests are recognised and accorded appropriate treatment. A paper by Richard Bernal.
Privatization Trends: What's been done?
http://rru.worldbank.org/documents/
Privatization has reached nearly all developing countries, generating more than US$400 billion in proceeds for these countries since 1990. Activity peaked in 1997 and declined thereafter—but began to pick up again in 2001. Proceeds are concentrated in a small group of countries. And they are increasingly concentrated in a few transactions: the 10 biggest accounted for nearly 40 percent of proceeds in 2000–03, up from 16 percent in the 1990s. These transactions have often involved sales of minority shares aimed at generating revenues. Source: Carla Kleinhappel
February 2006
KfW: Poverty and transport
http://www.kfw-entwicklungsbank.de/EN_Home/Service/Onlinelibr23/Medienkoop.jsp
Consistent transport concepts benefit all population strata. Experience shows that they are a special priority of poor people. Only those models that include maintenance can function on a sustained basis. The experiences gained in this area have since been put to use in cooperation with the magazine Development + Cooperation
Microfinance institutions working with remittances
http://www.bannock.co.uk/PDF/CapturingMarketShareFull.pdf
Tihis paper by Cerstin Sander (Bannock Consulting) looks at migrant remittances to and in Africa and the link with the microfinance industry as a provider of money transfer or ancillary financial services to remittance senders and recipients. It explores what transfer services microfinance institutions currently do or could provide and discusses the opportunities and challenges of such services for MFIs in Africa.
Developing countries create their own competition rules for global markets
http://www.unctad.org/en/docs/ditcclp20051_en.pdf.
Equitable trade deals require competition rules, and developing countries stand to gain from such rules. This is the main message of a new analysis of competition rules in regional trade agreements published by UNCTAD. The book, entitled Competition Provisions in Regional Trade Agreements: How to Assure Development Gains and prepared with the support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada, draws on the expertise of the UNCTAD secretariat, lead practitioners and scholars around the world.
Global Investment Prospects Assessment (GIPA) 2005-2008
http://www.unctad.org/fdiprospects
Global Investment Prospects Assessment (GIPA) 2005-2008, published by UNCTAD, features detailed analyses of trends in foreign direct investment (FDI) expected to occur over the next three years, as well as reviews of the strategies of transnational corporations and of policy developments expected to influence such investment. The Assessment's findings are based on global surveys of large transnational firms, international experts in FDI, and national investment promotion agencies. They also result from analyses of key factors affecting FDI.
Monthly Bulletin of Statistics and MBS On-line
http://unstats.un.org/unsd/mbs
Provides monthly statistics on 50 subjects from over 200 countries and areas, together with special tables illustrating important economic developments. Quarterly data for significant world and regional aggregates are included regularly.
Ten Steps to a Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation System
http://www-wds.worldbank.org
This handbook is primarily targeted toward officials who are faced with the challenge of managing for results. Developing countries in particular have multiple obstacles to overcome in building M&E systems. However, as we shall see, results-based M&E systems are a continuous work in progress for both developed and developing countries. As we have learned, when implemented properly these systems provide a continuous flow of information feedback into the system, which can help guide policymakers toward achieving the desired results. Seasoned program managers in developed countries and international organizations?where results-based M&E systems are now in place - are using this approach to gain insight into the performance of their respective organizations.
European Microfinance Actors ? Working in Developing Countries ? Main Topics and Priorities
http://www.ruralfinance.org
This paper begins by stating that microfinance is evolving in terms of scale, professionalism, and significance within development programmes. As a consequence, an increasing number of European entities have entered the microfinance sector or have improved their existing competencies. It argues that this has led to ad hoc initiatives and topical working groups. The paper also notes that national microfinance platforms have recently appeared in several European countries and as a progression from this, the Luxembourg Round Table on Microfinance decided to try to create synergies on a European level.
PRSP Sourcebook
Weblink
The Sourcebook is a guide to assist countries in the development and strengthening of poverty reduction strategies. The Sourcebook reflects the thinking and practices associated with the Comprehensive Development Framework, as well as lessons emerging from the World Development Report on Poverty, and good international practices related to poverty reduction.
International migration, remittances, and the brain drain
http://wdsbeta.worldbank.org
Knowledge of the economic effects of migration, especially its impact on economic development, is rather limited. In order to expand knowledge on migration, and identify policies and reforms that would lead to superior development outcomes, this volume presents the results of a first set of studies carried out on the subject. Current demographic trends in both developed and developing countries are pointing toward significant, potential economic gains from migration. The labour forces in many developed countries are expected to peak around 2010, and decline by around 5 percent in the following two decades, accompanied by a rapid increase in dependency ratios. Conversely, the labor forces in many developing countries are expanding rapidly, resulting in declines in dependency ratios. This imbalance is likely to create strong demand for workers in developed countries' labour markets, especially for numerous service sectors that can only be supplied locally. There are large north-south wage gaps, however, especially for unskilled and semiskilled labour.
MDGs: Global Monitoring Report 2005
http://web.worldbank.org
Global Monitoring focuses on how the world is doing in implementing the policies and actions for achieving the MDGs and related development outcomes. It is a framework for accountability in global development policy.
Why transparency is good for business
http://www.brandrepublic.com/bulletins/br/article/528638/why-transparency-good-business/
If agencies want to be seen as business partners instead of suppliers, they need to abandon unprofessional practices such as over-riders, Chris Ingram writes.
OECD: Fostering Innovation in Chile
http://www.olis.oecd.org
This paper by José-Miguel Benavente, Luiz de Mello and Nanno Mulder discusses the main obstacles to innovation activity in Chile and proposes corrective measures. The paper argues that the level of R&D (Research & Development) spending is low and heavily reliant on government funds, owing in part to the fact that risk and venture capital markets are relatively underdeveloped in Chile. At the same time, innovation policy is formulated and implemented in a fragmented manner, which is not conducive to longer-term, strategic planning. Skilled workers and researchers are also in short supply.
Trade Electronic Newsletter
http://econ.worldbank.org
Development Research Group, Volume 4, Issue 33, Winter 2005,
Special Issue on International Migration and Remittances
Tacis Small and medium enterprise (SME)
http://www.tacisinfo.ru/en/broc/en_pdf.htm
The Tacis technical dissemination project has edited some SME brochures as .pdf files. They were published by the European Commission
- How to prepare a business plan
- Manual on Sales Practices - How to improve the efficiency of your sales forces
- Manual on Marketing Practices - How to introduce marketing in SMEs
- Restructuring and industrial co-operation: the wood processing industry example
- Costing methods for decision making: Modern management accounting practices
- Some examples of successful restructuring experiences
- Banks and SME
- New directions in tourism - Tacis-supported tourism development projects in the NIS
Russian versions are available as well.
UNCTAD's Information Economy Report 2005
http://www.unctad.org/Templates/WebFlyer.asp?intItemID=3591&lang=1
The Report shows that, while in some developing regions the number of Internet users has grown substantially, overall the gap between developed and developing countries remains wide. And the quality of connections is just as important as their number. While some countries have seen spectacular growth in broadband access, there are still large variations worldwide. The Report also examines the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) on the economic performance and trade competitiveness of developing countries. There is an urgent need to explore policies and best practices to help enterprises use ICT to enhance their competitiveness. Strategies are needed to ease the transition of developing countries to an information economy, in which the role of ICT extends beyond e-commerce to embrace a broad range of social and economic manifestations, including the Internet and e-business. ICT policy frameworks profoundly affect growth, productivity, employment and business performance. The Report also explores policy options that developing countries might consider in order to maximize the contribution of ICT-based business and commerce applications to their national development goals.
EC Eastern Europe and Central Asia Mailing and Distribution System
http://www.eu-cooperation.info
The EuropeAid Co-operation Office of the European Commission has built up a database of contacts interested in receiving regular information and updates on European Union activities in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. This includes communicating on political events, news, features on Tacis projects, and highlighting forthcoming events such as political visits, key conferences and seminars. You can subscribe to the database on-line.
First global study of high expectation entrepreneurship [22 November 2005]
http://www.gemconsortium.org/download.asp?fid=444
The first global study published by the global entrepreneurship monitor of high expectation entrepreneurship has found that just 9.8% of the world's entrepreneurs expect to create almost 75% of the job generated by new business ventures. The report defines high expectation entrepreneurship as all start-ups and newly formed businesses which expect to employ at least 20 employees within five years. These ventures have far reaching consequences for the economies in which they operate, particularly because of their impact on job creation and innovation.
Mapping the shift in Business Development Services. Making markets work for the poor
http://www.developmentbookshop.com/detail.aspx?ID=506
A new book from Malcolm Harper and Jim Tanburn illustrates the radical changes that have taken place in the evolution of assistance to small businesses. The editors show how the transformation has taken place and illustrate some of the critical issues that are facing business development practitioners today.
Trading on Time
http://www.doingbusiness.org/Main/Trade.aspx
A new study from the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) entitled ''Trading on Time'' concludes that delaying export hurts the economies of developing countries. Released in January 2006, the study introduces new trade research based on the data provided from the Doing Business in 2006: Creating Jobs report â?'' an annual report cosponsored by the IFC and the World Bank. The new study finds that each day of delays reduces a country's export volumes by about 1 percent. For example, if Burkina Faso reduced its factory-to-ship time from 71 days to 27 days (the median for the sample), exports may increase by nearly 45 percent. Similarly, if the Central African Republic reduced its median factory-to-ship time fro m 116 days to 27 days, exports would nearly double.
Reforming Development Assistance: Lessons from the UK Experience
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/aideffectiveness/rc/ItemDetail.do~1050820?intcmp=700
Since its creation in 1997, the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DFID) has been recognized as a global leader in development. Described by the Economist as being ??a model for other rich countries??.
January 2006
Global Corruption Barometer 2005
http://www.transparency.org/policy_and_research/surveys_indices/gcb
The 2005 Global Corruption Barometer, based on a Gallup International survey conducted on behalf of Transparency International for International Anti-Corruption Day 2005, reveals widespread concern about corruption around the globe.
Diasporas of Highly Skilled and Migration of Talent
http://web.worldbank.org
International migration of skills and talent is a growing field of academic inquiry as well as emerging field of practical expertise. As countries move to second-generation reforms and focus on long-term growth agenda, they increasingly reach to their Diasporas as an entry point to articulate and implement such agendas. This World Bank Institute (WBI) web site is part of the Knowledge for Development section and is devoted to the Diaspora-related research and growing number of WBI activities in this area. It features publications, events and pilot projects. Source: Daniela Petrova
UNICEF State of The World's Children Report 2006: '' Excluded and Invisible.''
http://www.unicef.org/publications/
Millions of the world's neediest children are not even a blip on the radar of their own governments because there is no record of their birth, the United Nation's Children's Fund UNICEF said on Wednesday. In its annual State of the World's Children report ''Excluded and Invisible,'' UNICEF said one-third of the estimated 150 million children born worldwide each year were not registered - and the number was growing.
Effective Development Assistance: A Guide to Aid Instruments
http://www.hlspinstitute.org/projects/?mode=type&id=15313
A CD ROM produced by The HLSP Institute, ''Effective Development Assistance – A Guide to Aid Instruments”, provides a structured overview of key aid instruments and development assistance issues. The CD explores the development context (poverty, the architecture of international aid, the Millennium Development Goals and Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers). It examines the advantages and disadvantages of different aid instruments and when and where each is applicable, as well as practical issues such as partnership working, fiduciary risk procurement and monitoring. This resource is available free of charge (subject to availability). For more information go to the HLSP Institute website at http://www.hlspinstitute.org or email: institute@hlsp.org
GRAMEEN - Replicability of a Microfinance Approach to Extending Telecommunications Access
http://www.regulateonline.org/content/view/591/31/
An Investigation of the Replicability of a Microfinance Approach to Extending Telecommunications Access to Marginal Customers'' looks at the fundamental problem of access to telecommunications, and focuses on one of the ‘solutions’ that have emerged in response to this problem -- that adopted by Grameen of Bangladesh. The study examines the replicability of the Grameen model and concludes that the usefulness of the different elements of the model depends on the context in which an access solution is being designed for, and should be adapted accordingly. Source: Bruce Girard
E-commerce for Development: The Case of Nepalese Artisan Exporters
http://sdnhq.undp.org/e-gov/e-comm/
This UNDP study analyzes the impact of e-commerce on SMMEs in developing countries, specifically the impact on income and employment of the use of CatGen by grassroots artisan enterprises. The largest impact of implementing this pro-poor e-commerce approach was on income and employment. Source: Charles Kleymeyer
Sucessful Communication: A Toolkit for Researchers and Civil Society Organisations
http://www.odi.org.uk/publications/toolkit2.html
This handbook presents work in progress on communication tools, specifically geared towards the needs of researchers in civil society organisations. The tools are grouped under the headings of Planning, Packaging, Targeting and Monitoring tools.
Policy space for the development of the South
http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC20476
This South Centre policy briefing discusses the concept of ''policy space'' and its role in promoting the development of the South. The concept is founded on the principles of the equal sovereignty of States, the right to development, and the provision of special and differential treatment to developing countries. The brief argues that as the one-size fits all economic approaches of the Bretton Woods institutions and the WTO have not worked, policy space is needed so as to provide developing counties with the freedom to choose the best mix of policies possible for achieving sustainable and equitable economic development given their unique and individual social, political, economic, and environmental conditions.
Migrant workers: a guide for NGOs
http://www.december18.net/web/docpapers/doc3056.pdf
This Guide aims at enabling national or regional non-governmental organisations, coalitions and individual organisations to effectively use the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrants Workers and Members of Their Families as a tool for the promotion and protection. Source: December 18
New book: The current negotiations in the WTO
http://www.weitzenegger.de/oo/wto.html
A new publication by the Third World Network named ''The current negotiations in the WTO: Options, opportunities and risks for developing countries'' examines the current state of play in the talks and discusses how the developing countries can best make use of this opportunity and guard against the risk of new commitments which will only add to the prevailing inequities. Source: Third World Network
Micro-Credit Rating Toolkit
http://www.undprcc.lk/web_mdg/CREDITRATINGTOOL.pdf
This toolkit written by Ms. Anuradha Rajivan and produced by the UNDP’s Regional Center in Colombo (www.undprcc.lk) is based on seven years of experience in the sector of microfinance in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Sudan. It attempts to answer why credit rating of recipients of micro-credit is an essential step in building confidence within credit supplier community.
Poverty Assessment Tool (Technical Tool Series No. 05)
http://www.cgap.org/docs/TechnicalTool_05.pdf
The Poverty Assessment Tool (PAT) was developed for CGAP by the International Food Policy Research Institute. The multi-dimensional Poverty Index constructed by the tool is targeted at donors and investors who require a standardized, globally applicable set of poverty indicators to make poverty-focused funding decisions and to compare MFIs across regions and countries. Source: Rashmi Agarwal
Key Principles of Microfinance
http://www.cgap.org/docs/KeyPrincMicrofinance_CG_eng.pdf
Because sustainable microfinance is a key element in creating solid financial markets in developing countries, CGAP's donor members developed and endorsed these Key Principles of Microfinance. The G8 also endorsed these principles at their June 2004 Summit in Sea Island, Georgia, USA, as part of their commitment to expanding the access of microfinance. Source: Rashmi Agarwal
World Bank Institute Annual Report 2005
http://web.worldbank.org
WBI helps countries understand their learning needs and works with local officials and Bank operational staff to design integrated national capacity development strategies to address those needs. WBI also fosters knowledge exchange among developing countries and across sectors to help identify solutions to the toughest development challenges.
EUROCHAMBRES Women Network (EWN) launches on-line tool to widen female professional horizons
http://www.talentcheck.org/index.php
European Chambers have implemented ''Talent Check'', an on-line questionnaire for students to help them overcome gender stereotypes that still persist in employment. The questionnaire, in five different languages (English, German, French, Italian and Greek), forms part of the EWN CHASE Project (CHambers Against Stereotypes in Employment). Contact: Birgit Arens, arens@eurochambres.be
Tool: Competitiveness Partnerships
http://www.fdipromotion.com/toolkit/Documents/1/PPP.pdf
The experiences of 40 countries illustrate how public-private dialogue can lead to improvements in a location's attractiveness for investors. The World Bank and IFC have consolidated these best practices into a collection of tools and techniques for IPI practitioners to better set-up or maintain structured dialogue between the public and private sector in order to make the investment climate more competitive. Also, reforms arising from increased public-private dialogue usually work better
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