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SMEs and Open Strategic Autonomy
Kris Boschmans
Expert Innovation, Competitiveness & Sustainability
"The concept of Open Strategic Autonomy is under development and potentially very broad. The research question of how this concept affects EU SMEs is also underexplored. For those reasons, It took some back and forth with the client to get a better understanding of what is expected. This proved somewhat challenging, but also rewarding, because the report is likely to make an impact on EU policy making."
The challenge
The study investigates the impact of Open Strategic Autonomy on SMEs within the EU. It aims to analyse to what extent, and through which means, SMEs are involved in strategic industries, and to provide recommendations for policy actions aimed at maximising the benefits for SMEs participation to OSA while limiting risks.
The process & results
At a first step, strategic industries and value chains of relevance for Open Strategic Autonomy were selected, based on priorities set by the European Commission and the involvement of SMEs within them. For each selected ecosystem out of the 14 in total, we and the other partners conducted a value chain analysis. For each part of the relevant value chain, we investigate the role of EU SMEs, both vis-à-vis large EU firms and companies outside of the EU. Aside from mapping their involvement, strengths and weaknesses, we also also formulate policy recommendations to strengthen the role of EU SMEs in these critical industries.
The insights from these various eco-systems are then summarised in an action plan to strengthen the role of SMEs. The Action Plan builds on five policy pillars and a foundational pillar that addresses the general framework conditions necessary for all SMEs. Each pillar consists of action lines, for which ecosystem-specific recommendations are provided.
The study builds on the outcomes of extensive desk research and stakeholders’ engagement, both within the industry, think tanks, academia and policy makers at the EU, national and subnational level of government.