Final-Leading-the-Way-Report_ (size 2.5 MB)

Final-Leading-the-Way-Appendices_ (size 7.7 MB)

This report sets out a fresh approach to growth for SMEs in Ireland, where management development is a key strategic priority to drive productivity, sustainability, competitiveness and growth. Its findings are intended to assist SMEs to meet the challenges of a business environment that is constantly reshaped by new technologies, changing consumer behaviour, and broader social and economic trends.

Improving productivity is one of the most important issues for SMEs in Ireland. Management development, and the adoption of world class management practices, is one of the key levers for achieving that. This report examines management skills and practices in SMEs in Ireland, the attitudes and barriers to management development, and the opportunities that exist for Irish SMEs to improve their performance through greater investment in targeted, high-quality management training and development.