As we prepare for the ICSB × OECD SME World Forum in Paris, the OECD has shared 10 key research reports and resources with ICSB to help shape the discussions at this important international gathering.
This Forum marks an important moment of collaboration between ICSB and the OECD, bringing together the research, expertise, and global networks of both organizations to bridge a critical gap: between research and action, and between policy recommendations and the everyday realities facing small and medium-sized enterprises.
By combining OECD's policy research and evidence with ICSB's global expertise in entrepreneurship, education, and practice, we aim to transform knowledge into practical solutions that help SMEs innovate, grow, and flourish.
Together, we are creating an opportunity to move beyond exchanging ideas toward developing meaningful policy recommendations and lasting impact for SMEs worldwide.
1. SMEs & Artificial Intelligence
Explore the OECD research:
1. Empowering SMEs in the Age of AI: The 2026 OECD D4SME Survey
Presents new evidence on AI adoption, emerging applications, and the barriers smaller businesses face.
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/empowering-smes-in-the-age-of-ai_bf5a9816-en.html
2. AI Adoption by Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Examines why smaller firms lag behind larger businesses in AI adoption and how policies can address differences in digital readiness.
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/ai-adoption-by-small-and-medium-sized-enterprises_426399c1-en.html
3. OECD SME AI Readiness Tool
Provides a practical self-assessment to help SMEs evaluate their preparedness for adopting and using artificial intelligence.
https://sme.oecd.ai/
2. Scale-Up Finance
Explore the OECD research:
4. Unleashing SME Potential to Scale Up
Identifies what enables SMEs to achieve rapid growth and how policies can support businesses with different growth potential.
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/unleashing-sme-potential-to-scale-up_ea948a58-en.html
5. Financing SMEs and Entrepreneurs 2026: An OECD Scoreboard
Examines international SME financing conditions, lending trends, financing gaps, and emerging policy responses.
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/financing-smes-and-entrepreneurs-2026_075d8058-en.html
6. Benchmarking Government Support for Venture Capital
Compares government approaches to supporting venture capital markets and financing innovative startups and growing enterprises.
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/benchmarking-government-support-for-venture-capital_81e53985-en.html
3. Deeptech Entrepreneurship & Incubation
Explore the OECD research:
7. Incubation in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: Hatching Growth
Explores how business incubators help promising startups develop capabilities, access networks, and accelerate their growth.
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/incubation-in-entrepreneurial-ecosystems_21be9d03-en.html
8. Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Diagnostics
Introduces a framework for evaluating entrepreneurial ecosystems and identifying opportunities for improvement.
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/entrepreneurial-ecosystem-diagnostics_7096961f-en.html
4. Women & Youth Entrepreneurship
Explore the OECD research:
9. The Missing Entrepreneurs 2023
Examines barriers that limit entrepreneurial participation among women, young people, and other underrepresented groups, along with policies to unlock their potential.
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-missing-entrepreneurs-2023_230efc78-en.html
10. Bridging the Finance Gap for Women Entrepreneurs
Investigates financing challenges facing women entrepreneurs and identifies policy reforms to improve access to capital and business growth opportunities.
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/bridging-the-finance-gap-for-women-entrepreneurs_75b52972-en.html
From Evidence to Action. From Research to Impact.
These ten resources provide an important foundation for our conversations in Paris.
Our shared objective is to connect research with real-world expertise and translate evidence into practical policy recommendations that strengthen SMEs worldwide.
Through ICSB's commitment to Human-Centered Entrepreneurship, we also ask how these advances can contribute to sustainable economic progress and human flourishing.
We thank our OECD colleagues for sharing these valuable resources and look forward to advancing this important collaboration.
ICSB × OECD SME World Forum Paris 2026
October 21–23, 2026 | OECD Headquarters & Station F, Paris
Explore the Full Forum Program: https://paris.icsb.org/