Organised by the OECD, in collaboration with and with the support of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), this webinar will mark the conclusion of a multi-year OECD-EU programme on strengthening FDI-SME linkages and spillovers, implemented by the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities (CFE) and the Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs (DAF). The session will present new evidence, actionable insights and policy recommendations to help EU countries and regions harness foreign direct investment (FDI) as a driver of SME competitiveness, innovation and local development.
“Connecting FDI and SMEs for Productivity and Innovation in Europe”
The report maps where inward FDI is concentrated across EU regions and examines the local factors associated with stronger FDI-SME linkages. Using new spatial indicators and illustrative deep-dives into Germany, Italy, and Romania, it highlights regional differences in the potential for knowledge transfer to domestic firms. The analysis provides a concise diagnostic of how FDI can support more balanced productivity and innovation outcomes.
“Strengthening FDI-SME Linkages in the Baltic States”
Drawing on granular FDI data and firm-level evidence, this multi-country review provides insights into how Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania can strengthen FDI-SME ecosystems and boost competitiveness. It identifies the channels through which foreign investment can spur SME growth and innovation, highlights contexts where spillovers are most likely to materialise, and sets out policy options to strengthen FDI spillovers and broaden their reach among domestic SMEs.
