The OECD analyses economic behaviour at enterprise and sectoral levels to complement macro-level studies. Approaches are developed for the efficient functioning of the corporate sector in OECD and non-OECD countries in areas such as corporate governance and corporate responsibility. Through benchmarking industry performance, it follows trends in industrial adaptation and related policies.

The performance and policy implications of industrial globalisation are an important area of analysis. Trends in foreign trade, foreign direct investment, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, international strategic alliances and other modes of internationalisation are tracked. Responsible business conduct is promoted through guidelines for multinational enterprises.

Another concern are the challenges confronting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Policies for fostering entrepreneurship in OECD and non-OECD countries address issues of financing, regulatory burdens, management skills, innovation, etc. Enhancing the globalisation of small firms and their access to electronic commerce is of particular interest.

The collection of industrial statistics and the development of indicators underpin these analyses. Special attention is given to measuring industrial productivity and industrial globalisation, modelling structural change and developing firm-level data. Specific analyses and data collection are carried out for sectors such as steel, shipbuilding and tourism.