Countries have been competing against each other in order to attract financial investment and human capital for decades. However, emerging economies have a long way to go before they achieve the same levels of competitiveness as a developed economy. Lack of firm institutions, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of trust in the legal system are urgent and unavoidable factors that emerging economies must address. The Handbook of Research on Increasing the Competitiveness of SMEs provides innovative insights on integrating, adapting, and building models and strategies compatible with the development of competitiveness in small and medium enterprises in emerging countries. The content within this publication examines quality management, organizational leadership, and digital security. It is designed for policymakers, entrepreneurs, managers, executives, business professionals, academicians, researchers, and students.

"Uganda's economy is premised on MSMES and efforts have been established to formalize and streamline MSME development. A fully fledged Directorate was established in July 2016 under the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Cooperatives. The sector strategic objectives are to: (i) improve private sector competitiveness, (ii) develop sector institutional human resources, (iii) increase sector productivity and capacity to produce goods and services, (iv) enhance application of standards and infrastructure and (v) increase market access of products and services to local, regional and international market"--Page II.

Small and medium scale enterprises and the economy / Francis A.S.T Matambabya (p.1-14). --Education and training of entrepreneurs in South Africa : a situational analysis / Gideon Nieman (p. 15-32). --Adoption of information technology by Tanzanian entrepreneurs in the service industries : a business process re-engineering emphasis / Ullingera O Mbamba (p. 33-52). --Institutionalisation of the public-private sector dialogue in Tanzania : are SMEs left out? / Erasmus S Kaijage (p. 53-82). --The influence of national policies, laws, and regulations of employment in macro and small enterprises / M.M. Chijoriga, L.J. Mwaipopo and D.R. Olomi (p. 83-114). --Culture, poverty alleviation and small business development in sub-Saharan Africa : a research-paradigm approach / Osarumwenze Iguisi (p. 115-139). --An empirical study of the Botswana crafts market / S.K. Massimo, P.T. Mburu and K. Mutua (p. 141-168). --The role of the Internet : how are Botswana SMEs using the Internet? / B.A.S. Magembe and A.P. Shemi (p. 169-189). --The development of export trade in Tanzania : an export vision / Enos S. Bukuku (p. 191-208). --Exploring the potentialities of export processing free zones (EPZ) for SME development in sub-Saharan Africa: lessons from Mauritius / Lettice Kinunda-Rutashobya(p. 209-226). --The national micro-finance polity / Grace Rubambey (p. 227-233). --Reflections on the economic value of EPZs creating a supply side foundation for international competitiveness / J.L. Simbakalia (p. 235-241). --Making market knowledge competence a strategic source of entrepreneurship / K. Okoso-Amaa (p. 241-249).

The Study examines the determinants of Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) growth in an urban set up area in Uganda. Using a cross sectional survey design comprising of 254 MSMEs operators, we find access to credit by the MSMEs, access to market and the level of managerial skills all positively associated with the growth of small and medium enterprises in the surveyed region. We thus recommend for the need to train enterprise owners, managers and other operators in order to equip them with the relevant skills and knowledge specifically tailored towards impacting various business management practices, enhancing access to financial assistance through fair lending rates and reduced bureaucratic tendencies in the credit market. In addition, the government need to improve the ICT infrastructure coverage to enable MSMEs to utilize the online market base that can enhance sales.

MSME stands for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. These are businesses that fall below certain thresholds of size, turnover, and investment. They play a crucial role in economic development by fostering entrepreneurship, generating employment, and promoting inclusive growth. Here’s how MSMEs and business entrepreneurship intersect: Starting Point for Entrepreneurs: Many MSMEs begin as entrepreneurial ventures. Entrepreneurs often start small and grow their businesses over time. MSMEs provide a platform for budding entrepreneurs to test their ideas, gain experience, and establish themselves in the market. Innovation and Creativity: MSMEs are known for their agility and ability to innovate. Entrepreneurship within these enterprises often drives new ideas, processes, and products. This innovation can lead to competitiveness and growth within the sector. Job Creation: MSMEs are significant job creators, especially in developing economies. Entrepreneurship within MSMEs not only generates employment for the entrepreneurs themselves but also for a multitude of employees hired as these businesses expand. Economic Contribution: MSMEs contribute to the overall economic output of a country or region. Through entrepreneurial activities, these enterprises can contribute to GDP growth, exports, and tax revenues, thereby bolstering the economy. Challenges and Support: Entrepreneurs in the MSME sector face unique challenges such as access to finance, market access, regulatory compliance, and technology adoption. Governments and organizations often provide support through policies, financial aid, training programs, and incubation centres to nurture entrepreneurship within MSMEs. Role in Local Development: MSMEs are often deeply embedded in local communities. Entrepreneurial activities within these enterprises can stimulate local economies, improve infrastructure, and raise living standards by providing goods and services locally. Overall, MSMEs and business entrepreneurship are closely intertwined, with entrepreneurship serving as a driving force behind innovation, economic growth, and social development within the MSME sector.

Micro, small and medium sized enterprises (M/SMEs) are a dynamic force for sustained economic growth and job creation. They are a valid, crucial component of a vibrant industrial society. M/SMEs stimulate private ownership and entrepreneurial skills; they are flexible and can adapt quickly to changing market demand and supply conditions; they generate employment, help diversify economic activities and make significant contribution to export and trade. Many small projects stalled, especially in light of a great revolution of January 25, 2011. This research aims to study the policies of enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises.