Strengthening the Ecosystem of Vibrant MSMEs for Resilient Growth in Asia and the Pacific

The global economy faces growing uncertainty, driven by geopolitical tensions, climate-induced weather events, and disruptions to international trade. Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) underpin much of Asia’s growth, stimulating domestic demand through job creation, innovation, and competition across the region.

This book investigates how MSMEs can transition to a sustainable growth path and contribute to global sustainability and resilience. Drawing on the latest research across five thematic areas—business digitalization, gender-balanced growth, entrepreneurship, innovative finance, and evidence-based policymaking—it shows how governments can support MSMEs at every stage of development, from startup to maturity.

With a focus on practical strategies, the book highlights how to build an effective ecosystem for MSMEs in Asia and the Pacific.

Contents

Overview

Part I: Business Digitalization

1. Unintended Consequences of Business Digitalization Among MSMEs During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of the Philippines
2. Digital Lifeline? Internet Utilization and Entrepreneurial Resilience in Pandemic Times: The Case of Indonesia

Part II: Gender-Balanced Growth

3. Resilience to Shocks of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Fiji
4. Women-Led Firms, Digital Technology Adoption, and Access to Finance in India

Part III: Entrepreneurship Development

5. What Factors Encourage the Entrepreneurial Spirit? Findings from Three Pacific Islands
6. Individual and Social Preferences of Entrepreneurs: A Study Using Experimental and Nonexperimental Data from Delhi, India

Part IV: Innovative Financing Models

7. Equivalence of Carbon Tax, Carbon Pricing, and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Green Policies
8. Prospects and Challenges of Digital Invoice Financing for MSMEs in India: An Empirical Study

Part V: Evidence-Based Policy Actions

9. Strategies and Resilience of Firms Facing Competition from the Informal Sector
10. Designing a Country’s SME Development Index Using Firm-Level Data: The Case of Thailand
11. Conclusion: Policy Actions to Build an Optimal MSME Ecosystem