1 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative FORMAT OF SELF-ASSESSMENT REPORT CHECKLIST ITEMS FOR AREA A: DEVELOPING HUMAN RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGY THROUGH LINKAGE BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND EDUCATIONAL AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS Element 1. Joint research and development among universityindustry-institutes Checklist Item A-1 Are there any targeted research collaboration programs that involve SMEs as designated participants of research projects? Evaluation Criteria 2 Business-Led Networks of Centers of Excellence are large-scale collaborative networks that help increase private sector investments in research, support the training of skilled researchers and accelerate the timeline involved in transferring ideas from the laboratory to products in the marketplace. Comments These programs do not target SMEs directly but apply instead to all businesses. Four networks, representing the health, environmental, and energy and natural resources priorities of the S&T Strategy, were selected to receive $39.3 million over four years. A-2 Basic statistics on R&D investment flows: 1) The level of R&D investment performed by university that is financed by industry; 2) The level of R&D investment performed by university that is financed by government; 3) The level of R&D investment performed by government research institutes that is financed by industry; 4) The level of R&D investment performed by industry that is financed by government Canada is an OECD member country. OECD countries are exempted to submit the data 2 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative 2. Patent or A-3 What proportion of issued patents is Technology transfer owned by SMEs (the patents issued in each member state’s patent office)? Year 2005 2006 2007 4 A-4 Does the government provide special incentives or institutional supports to SMEs for patent application? A-5 Are there mechanisms to promote technology transfer from public research organizations to SMEs? Is there any incentive given to public organizations for licensing publicly own patents?What proportion of public/university patents are licensed to SMEs? Small Entity Fee Uptake % of all % of Canadian Applications Applications 9,64% 23,63% 8,47% 21,33% 7,53% 18,64% The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) offers special reduced fees to “small entities” (defined as businesses with fewer than 50 employees). These fees are typically 50% less than fees for larger businesses. 1 There are no such processes - The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) data is based on “small entities” (businesses with fewer than 50 employees). However, some small businesses for several reasons, do not identify themselves as small business entities so the data may not accurately reflect the number of small businesses that apply for patents. 3 3. Utilization of human resources and research facilities in universities and institutes Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative A-6 Are there policies that enable SMEs to consult scientists and engineers in public institutes? (including. universities)? 4 The objective of the College and Community Innovation Program (CCIP) is to increase innovation at the community and/or regional level by enabling Canadian colleges to increase their capacity to work with local companies, particularly SMEs 1 There are no such processes A-7 Are there policies that stimulate public research institutes (including universities) that open research facilities to private sector? Does government provide additional incentives if the users are SMEs? 4 4. Incentives to A-8 Are there policies to promote and The Government of Canada supports the Canadian attract young talents teach students entrepreneurial spirits and Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) which provides to SMEs awards young entrepreneurs? business training, loans and mentoring services to young entrepreneurs. Since 2001, the CYBF has received CAD$47.5 million from the federal government. The CYBF also gives out annual awards to Canada’s top young entrepreneurs. Are there policies that stimulate SME 4 A-9 to hire postgraduate science/engineering degree holders to increase technological competence of SMEs? The Industrial Research and Development Internship (IRDI) program places graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in businesses to undertake research that addresses practical business problems. The program will receive a total of CAD$35 million until 2014 and support 1,000 internships/year. 5 National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Programme (NRC-IRAP) Provides innovative SMEs with financial For more information see: cybf.ca 4 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative 5. Supply of human resources that meet the needs of SMEs assistance to hire highly skilled science and engineering students. Placements range 6-12 months with a maximum costs of $30,000 towards the salary costs of a graduate intern. Graduates work on innovative projects, contribute to R&D and are involved with the commercialisation of research. A-10 Are there dedicated education programs customized to SME requests? Is the program operated at the level of a separate department or at the level of additional courses? Does government play roles in the modification of curriculum? 1 There are no such processes A-11 Are there government sponsored training programs that train employees to upgrade skills? (If so, are they targeted for SMEs?) 3 There are no such processes at the federal level because much of the skills training is provided by the provincial and territorial governments, not the federal government. However, the federal government does offer taxable cash grants designed to encourage apprentices registered in designated trades to continue and complete their apprenticeship programs and receive their certification. Several Canadian universities and colleges offer courses aimed at SMEs or at students who want to start their own business (e.g. in the engineering faculty) but these courses are designed by the university/college, not at the SME request. The government does not play a role at all. 5 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative CHECKLIST FOR AREA B: ACCESS TO SPECIALIST ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE Element 1. Assessing technical challenges facing SMEs 2. Consulting SMEs digitalization Checklist Item B-1. Does your government regularly meet with representatives from innovative SMEs, and discuss their needs? B-2. Does your economy have broadband connections widely available to your businesses? If not, is there a plan on introducing more broadband connections to businesses? Victoria B-3 Does your economy’s government offer advice to your SMEs on how best to digitalize their businesses B-4. Does your economy also offer financial and/or tax assistance for SME Evaluation Criteria 1 There are no regular meetings; - Report the latest UNCTAD ICT statistics in following categories: · Proportion of enterprises using computers; · Proportion of enterprises using Internet; · Proportion of enterprises with a website; · Proportion of enterprises receiving orders over Internet; · Proportion of enterprises placing orders over Internet; · Proportion of enterprises accessing Internet by ISDN, Fixed line connection under 2 Mbps and over 2 Mbps; 1 - 4 The Small Business Internship Program (SBIP) provides SMEs with financial support (i.e. a wage subsidy to hire a post-secondary student intern to assist them in their adoption of Comments - The data is available from http://www.unctad.org (click statistics statistical databases on line ICT statistics) In spite of a delayed start-up in its first year (2009-2010), there has been a good uptake and strong response of the program by SMEs and expected results are that over 80% of contributions allocated for youth salaries and 6 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative digitalization? 3. Research equipment and human resources search system 4. Expanding public service benefits B-5. Does your economy maintain programs for making required equipment available to innovative SMEs? B-6 Does your economy’s government maintain a database of expert consultants who would be useful for innovative SMEs, and can innovative SMEs access that database to find experts that they need? B-7 Does your economy provide consulting services for SMEs concerning technical, entrepreneurial, legal or tax issues? information and communications technologies (ICT) to increase their productivity and competitiveness. 1 No such programs are offered; 1 No such databases are available to SMEs 4 The Business Development Canada (BDC) offers customized consulting services in operational efficiency, transition programming, innovation, market development, business planning and management. BDC consulting services are delivered by 99 consulting managers with a physical presence in 60 branches, supported by a network of more than 500 BDC-registered external consultants. mandatory costs will be utilized and that over 350 ICT internship projects will be completed. 7 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative National Research Council Industrial Research Program (NRC-IRAP) provides trust advisory services and technical expertise delivered by over 240 qualified Industry Technology Advisors (ITAs) No such federal programs exists 5. Innovation education for SME employees B-8. Does your economy encourage high school and college educational programs dealing with running innovative businesses? No such program exists B-9 Does your economy have programs to encourage SME employees to get further education? 6. Others B-10. Does your economy have any other programs to facilitate specialist assistance and advice to innovative SMEs? 5 National Research Council Industrial Research Program (NRC-IRAP) provides trust advisory services and technical expertise delivered by over 240 qualified Industry Technology Advisors (ITAs) There are not-for-profit groups that work with high school and university students like Junior Achievement (http://www.jacan.org/) and Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (http://www.acecanada.ca/) to promote entrepreneurship. 8 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative CHECKLIST FOR AREA C: ENHANCING AVAILABILITY OF CAPITAL TO INNOVATIVE SMES Element Checklist Item 1. Providing financial incentives for innovative SMEs C-1. Are there R&D grant programs for innovative SMEs, and if such programs exist, what are their amounts and effectiveness? C-2. Are there tax incentive programs for innovative SMEs, and if such programs exist, what are their amounts and effectiveness? C-3. Are there public procurement programs for Evaluation Criteria Comments 5 In terms of the effectiveness, analysis National Research Council Industrial suggest that NRC-IRAP clients have Research Program (NRC-IRAP) – provides experienced growth, both in real and financial support to qualified innovative comparative terms. Sales grew on SMEs to help them develop technologies. The average by just over 28%, overall firm program operates on a shared-risk model, employment grew by 30%, and providing cost-shared financial assistance for company assets grew on average by R&D projects that meet both the firm and 15%. project assessment criteria. Financial support may be provided for an eligible R&D project, supporting up to 100 percent of salary costs associated with the project, or up to 75% of the contractor fees. 2 Usage statistics show that it is mostly The SR&ED (scientific research & large firms who use the SR&ED tax experimental development) program is a credit as opposed to SMEs. The ratio federal tax incentive program, administered is approximately 90:10. by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), that encourages Canadian businesses of all sizes, and in all sectors to conduct research and development (R&D) in Canada. It is the largest single source of federal government support for industrial R&D. The SR&ED program gives claimants cash refunds and/or tax credits for their expenditures on eligible R&D work done in Canada. 2 The Canadian Innovation Commercialization The CICP is still under development and expects to be launched later in 9 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative innovative SMEs, and if such programs exist, what are their amounts and effectiveness? 2. Providing SMEs with Policy loans based on technological competence or feasibility evaluation 3. Establishing an institution dedicated to providing SMEs with guaranteed loans C-4. Are there policy-loan programs for innovative SMEs, and if such programs exist, what are their amounts and effectiveness? C-5. Are there evaluation processes of technological competence and feasibility in policy loan programs? C-6. Are there special SME banks or financial institutions which are established for providing policyloans for SMEs, and if such banks or institutions exist, what are their amounts and effectiveness? Program (CICP) was announced on the March 2010 Budget. It is a $40 million, 2year pilot project through which federal departments and agencies will adopt and demonstrate the use of innovative prototype products and technologies developed by SMEs. Maximum award per project will be CAD$500,000. 1 There are no such programs 2010. There are programs for SMEs generally but not for innovative SMEs 1 There are no such processes 4 Business Development Canada – BCD has two financing programs: (a) long-term financing and (b) subordinate financing. BDC long-term financing is designed to support business growth, start-ups and innovation strategies, and to offer equipment financing for modernization purposes. BDC also offers subordinate financing of $250,000 to $10 million for 5-7 year terms, providing a hybrid for of financing that combines both elements of debt and equity financing to more mature and growing businesses with excellent - BDC client revenue 9% to 59% higher for combined BDC financing and consulting clients versus nonclients - There is on average a 41.5% increase in employment for BDC financing clients following BDC support - Clients that received financing in fiscal year 2009 sustained 510,875 jobs; - 82% of BDC financing clients surpassed a 5-year survival rate - BDC is completely self-sustaining, 10 4. Strengthening support for guarantee Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative C-7. Are there loan guarantee programs for innovative SMEs, and if such programs exist, what are their amounts and effectiveness? C-8. Are there government loan guarantee institutions which are established for providing guarantees for SME loans and if such programs exist, what are their amounts and effectiveness? potential. Overall, BDC has $4 billion in financing activity per year and 76.5% of its support is directed to SMEs with less than 20 employees. with a reported $90.6 million dividends to the Government of Canada since 1997. Export Development Canada (EDC) provides loans designed to help Canadian companies provide their customers with flexible financings, tailored to meet evolving market conditions throughout the world. Financing is provided to support international transactions 1 There is no such program EDC has provided $14 million in financing, generating $57.8 billion to Canada’s GDP, 572,000 jobs and $522 billion in exports of goods and services. 4 The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) is a loan-loss guarantee program. Under the CSBFP, Industry Canada and commercial lenders share the risk of providing small businesses with term loans for acquiring real property and equipment and making leasehold improvements. The federal government will pay the lenders up to 85 percent of eligible losses on defaulted loans registered under the program. The maximum loan amount guaranteed under the program is CAD$350,000 or CAD$500,000 for real property purchases. On average, the Program helps SMEs access 10,000 loans worth more than $1 billion each year. The average size of the loans in 2008-2009 was $116 800. The CSBFP recently underwent a review and evaluation. Some of the key findings include: In several key areas, CSBFP borrowers outperform comparable SMEs who have not received a CSBFP loan. SMEs who are CSBFP borrowers have consistently higher levels of business survival compared to non-CSBFP borrowers. They are able to increase 11 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative their business investments (total assets) at a faster pace when compared to non-CSBFP borrowers. Their companies also experience higher levels of sales growth. CSBFP borrowers experience greater employment growth compared to nonCSBFP borrowers, and their employment levels increase at a faster pace. There does not appear to be an impact on profits as a result of obtaining a CSBFP loan. The CSBF Program, as it is currently structured, is not cost recoverable when administration and registration fees are the only revenues used in the calculation. However, it can be considered cost-recoverable over the study period when incremental federal income taxes and GST(goods and services tax) generated by CSBFP borrowers are considered. For more information, please see: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/aeve.nsf/eng/03101.html 5. Streamlining SME financing procedures C-9. Do banks have special programs for streamlining SMEs’ financing procedures, and if such programs exist, what are their amounts and effectiveness? 1 There are no such programs 12 6. Considering SMEs outside policy support Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative C-10. Are there governmental promotion programs for streamlining SMEs’ financial procedures? C-11. Are there government venture capital programs for innovative SMEs, which can be either direct equity financing programs or hybrid-funds with private venture capital, loans and if such programs exist, what are their amounts and effectiveness? C-12. Are there policy programs 1 There are no such programs 3 Business Development Canada (BDC) provides subordinate financing of $250,000 to $10 million for 5-7 year terms, providing a hybrid form of financing that combines elements of both debt and equity financing to more mature and growing businesses with excellent potential. For the 12 months ending March 31st 2010, BDC authorized $68.3 million in subordinate financing. Further, BDC provides VC for every stage of a company’s development cycle, from seed through expansion, with a focus on earlystage and fast-growing businesses. It also invests indirectly through investments in other VC funds. Currently BDC has $4 million committed in 95 active companies – 24% life sciences, 10% telecommunications, 13% information technology – and has $265.1 million committed in 22 funds (constituting approximately 39% of VC allocations). The BDC’s VC activity constitutes 4.6% of all VC activity in Canada. It has been ranked 49th in the world in the Red Herring Top Global VC Funds Ranking and number 1 in Canada. 1 There are no such programs The BDC program does not apply only to innovative SMEs but rather to all SMEs who qualify. 13 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative for promoting networks of venture capitalists, which are often called as business angel networks (BANs)? 14 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative CHECKLIST ITEMS FOR CRITERIA D: NETWORK AND CLUSTERING FOR INNOVATIVE SMES Element Checklist Item 1. Policy for clustering SMEs by region D-1. What kinds of policies exist that provide incentives for the regional clustering of firms? Are there policies specifically designed for facilitating regional networks between public research institutes and SMEs? D-2 Are there special subsidies / policies for SMEs prepared by regional governments? 2. Policy for clustering SMEs by industry D-3 Does government pay special attention to the industrial associations comprised mainly of SMEs? Evaluation Criteria Comments For more information on Canada’s innovation clusters, please visit: The National Research Council (NRC) has http://www.nrcestablished a substantial presence in 11 technology cnrc.gc.ca/eng/locations/index.html clusters across the country. As part of NRC’s clustering initiatives in these communities, the organization’s research institutes act as hubs, offering cluster players state-of-the-art, federally funded labs and equipment, incubation space and critical business development mentoring. 4 The 2010 federal budget provided $135 million over the next two years to build on the success to date of the cluster initiatives. 4 There is such mechanism, and it is effective 4 The only national SME association in Canada is the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). However, its members are from all sectors of the Canadian economy. It has been successful in the past in influencing federal policy, most notably in the area of red-tape reduction. All 13 provinces and territories offer SME support programs. Some municipal (local) governments also offer programs. They are too numerous to list here. 15 3. Policy for promoting clustering SMEs 4. Strengthening network among clusters Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative 1 D-4 Does government There are no such mechanism provide benefits for SMEs of local supply chain by setting up industrial districts? Please see attached annex D-5 How many public incubating centers are operated and how much resources are invested for its operation? - Please provide financial support level of government in terms of the absolute amount and relative share of funding (public/ private). Canada’s incubating centres are mainly located in D-6 Are incubating centers universities. mainly located at university campuses, private sector buildings, or government research institutes? 2 These programs do not target D-7 Are there policies to Business-Led Networks of Centers of Excellence are SMEs directly but apply instead to promote knowledge sharing large-scale collaborative networks that help increase between different clusters or all businesses. private sector investments in research, support the between industrial training of skilled researchers and accelerate the associations (mainly timeline involved in transferring ideas from the comprised of SMEs)? laboratory to products in the marketplace. Four networks, representing the health, environmental, and energy and natural resources priorities of the S&T Strategy, were selected to receive $39.3 million over four years. 16 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative D-8 Are there policies that link the SME clusters internationally? Does government sponsor international SME centers to encourage global operation of SMEs? 1 There are no such mechanisms 17 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative CHECKLIST ITEMS FOR AREA E: ESTABLISHING APPROPRIATE LEGAL AND REGULATORY STRUCTURE Element 1. Providing Legal Support for Innovative SMEs Checklist Item E-1. Does your economy have a legal definition of an innovative SME? If not, does your economy have a widely used working definition of an innovative SME? E-2. Are there mechanisms to explain IPR laws to SMEs, and help SMEs make the most of rights and protection as specified in the national IPR laws? E-3. Are there processes in place to consider the effects of legislation on SMEs? E-4 How efficiently does your economy enforce private contracts? Evaluation Criteria There is no legal definition. Statistics Canada (the federal statistics agency for Canada), in its surveys on manufacturing uses the following definition of an innovative manufacturing firm: - product innovation: a firm has introduced to the market a new good or service or a significantly improved good or service. - process innovation: a firm has implemented a new or significantly improved production process, distribution method or support activity for its goods or services 2 The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has launched an awareness campaign to make SMEs more aware of Canada’s IP system and of how to use IP strategically. 2 The Cabinet Directive on Streamlining Regulation (CDSR) includes a requirement to assess the positive and negative impacts of regulation on business. Regulators are asked to mitigate the negative effects on business. In Canada there are 36 procedures to complete, it takes on average 560 days and the cost is usually 22.3% of the claim. For Comments There is no legal definition of an SME in Canada but Statistics Canada generally uses the following definition: - small business has fewer than 100 employees an SME has fewer than 500 employees - The SME outreach initiative is currently underway so it is not possible yet to assess its effectiveness The CDSR only applies to regulation (not legislation) and covers business broadly (not specifically SMEs) 18 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative the enforcement of private contracts, Canada ranks 58th in the world. 2. Promoting public institutions’ purchases of SME products 3. Enhancing support for technically competent SMEs E-5 Does your economy have a comprehensive plan to assist innovative SMEs, and are they set in legislation? E-6. Are there official processes or mechanisms to introduce innovative SME products to public institutions who may be potential customers? E-7. Are there official rules or guidelines encouraging public institutions to purchase from SMEs? E-8 Are there official rules, guidelines or programs encouraging public institutions to purchase from innovative SMEs? E-9. Does the technical standards and conformance system contain provisions which give due consideration to difficulties faced by SMEs? If so, what are they? Are there any indicators of effectiveness? E-10. Does the technical standards and conformance authority or the SME authority offer assistance to SMEs applying 1 There is no such comprehensive plan 1 There are no such processes or mechanisms; 1 There are no such rules or guidelines 1 There are no such rules or guidelines best practice. 1 There are no such provisions 1 There is no such assistance 19 4. Enhancing support for the R&D area 5. Others Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative for technical standards, or conformance certification? If so, what are they? Are there any indicators of effectiveness? E-11. What other support does your economy offer for technically competent SMEs? E-12. Are there support and incentives for R&D, and are SMEs eligible? If there are performance indicators for such incentives (such as amount disbursed or number of projects), report or refer to them in the IAP E-13. Does regulatory review and reform system exist, and does it explicitly take problems of SMEs into account? E-14. Does the regulatory review and reform system give due consideration to the introduction of new products and processes? E-15. In the area of legal and regulatory structure, what other relevant measures are in place? None See C-2 See E-3 1 The regulatory review and reform system does not explicitly give due considerations for new products and processes 20 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative CHECKLIST ITEMS FOR AREA F: ESTABLISHING A MARKET CONSISTENT ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT Element 1. Strengthening cooperation between large companies and SMEs 2. Facilitating digitalization of SMEs 3. Supporting SMEs to make inroads into overseas markets Checklist Item F-1 Are there programs, which promote partnerships between innovative SMEs and appropriate large businesses? F-2 Are there programs to facilitate digitalization of SMEs? F-3 Are there programs to support innovative SMEs exporting to foreign markets? Evaluation Criteria Comments 1 There are no such programs; See B-4 3 The Trade Commissioner Service of Canada offers assistance to businesses who wish to invest and/or trade abroad. For more info, please see: http://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/eng/home.jsp Export Development Canada (EDC) is None of these programs target innovative SMEs Canada’s export credit agency, specifically. supporting a broad range of exporters across Canada. Its mandate is to support and develop Canada’s export trade and Canadian capacity to engage in that trade as well as to respond to international business opportunities by ensuring that Canadian companies have access to financing, risk management and intelligence services. In terms of products and services, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) provides lines of credit, loans, 21 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative project financing and loan guarantees designed specifically to help Canadian companies provide their customers with flexible financing to meet evolving market conditions throughout the world. EDC also provides an array of insurance products designed to protect policy holders against various types of risk and provides contract bonding to help Canadian companies post or secure sureties, guarantee bids, performance bonds, and other obligations related to export trade. EDC additionally provides intelligence support to Canadian companies through EXPORT Check, where SMEs can obtain valuable financial and credit information on US and foreign customers using an online database Canada ranks 38th F-4. How easily can innovative SMEs export their products? F-5. Are there programs to 3 The Trade Commissioner Service of facilitate foreign Canada offers assistance to businesses investment (inward and who wish to invest and/or trade abroad. outward) by innovative SMEs? F-6 What is the level of your trade barrier? What is the simple and import- Simple tariff rate: 214 tariff lines, with a simple average tariff rate of 5.0% (2009) The Trade Commissioner Service of Canada’s programs are not targeted at innovative SMEs but rather are available to all businesses For more info, please see: http://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/eng/home.jsp 22 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative weighted average tariff rate for your economy? What is the variance of the tariff rate for your economy? What is the level of non-tariff barriers for your economy? F-7 What is the level of barriers for FDI for your economy? 4. Facilitating SME restructuring 5. Others Trade-weighted tariff rate: 5.2 - Canada’s Inward FDI in 2008 was $44.712 billion - FDI Performance Canada attracted 3.2 per cent of the world’s FDI in 2008 and accounted for 1.9 per cent of world GDP, receiving a 2007 performance index of 1.855. Although this is impressive, Canada is lagging behind the top global performers. - Relative to its peer countries, Canada gets a “C” grade in the most recent period – i.e. Below Potential - FDI Potential – Canada has been classified as having a high FDI potential; however, its performance has been below potential. - Ranked 2 for starting a business - Ranked 4 for closing a business F-8 How easy is it to establish and close a business in your economy? 1 F-9 Are there programs to There are no such programs facilitate SME restructuring in your economy? 1 F-10 When formulating There are no such processes and and implementing 23 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative competition policy in your mechanisms economy, are there processes and mechanisms, which consider the problems faced by SMEs and innovative SMEs in particular? See Annex on macro indicators F-11 Did your economy maintain a relatively stable macroeconomy? F-12 In the area of Too broad a category to answer correctly establishing a market consistent economy, what other relevant measures are in place? 24 Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative CHECKLIST FOR AREA G: DEVELOPING METHODOLOGIES FOR EFFECTIVELY MEASURING PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INNOVATION PROGRAMS FOR SMES. Element Checklist Item 1. Customeroriented evaluation system G-1. Are there proper channel of consultation and communication involving key actors from private SME sector in order to represent SME interest from the drafting stage of SME legislation and policy? G-2. Are Regulatory Impact Assessments, involving key actors from private SME sector in order to represent SME interest, applied to monitoring and assessing the impact of SME support measures? 2. SME policy disclosure and evaluation system Evaluation Criteria 1 - There are no such channels Comments 1 There are no such programs G-3. Are there SME-specific single on-line portal which is dedicated to disseminating information on SME policies and allows interaction (request of information and applications by SMEs) between SME administration and SMEs? 4 The Canada Business web portal provides information on government services, programs and regulations relevant to existing and potential business G-4 Are there statistics -4 Canada Business does not allow for direct application for permits or licenses. A fact-seeking online survey on the Canada Business website was completed in March 2010. In total, 601 participants participated in the survey. The survey found that: - 77.8% of respondents were able to find all, most or some of the information they were looking for; - 83.7% planned to use the website again; and, - 76.9% would refer someone to the site. - The data is of a high quality and is 25 3. SME policy comparing system 4. SME Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative measuring innovative SMEs’ activities and performances, and for evaluating SME innovation policies? G-5. Are there policy learning systems for SME innovation policies based on the cycles of policy experimentation, evaluations, adaptations and reviews and how effective are those programs? - Statistics Canada measures the innovation performance of manufacturers through a survey. It also measures R&D expenditures by firm size. G-6. Are there SME policy implementation agencies, which is the main body for SME strategy and policy proposal, evaluation, implementation and reporting? G-7. Are there international cooperation and benchmarking programs for SME innovation policies, which fosters learning from good practices, and how effective are those programs? 1 There are no such institutions The Minister of Industry has statutory responsibility for small business in Canada but in practice, almost every federal departments has policies or programs aimed at SMEs. 1 There are no such programs - G-8. 1 There are no such systems . Are there on-line/off-line updated regularly which allows policy makers to track progress. 1 There are no such systems 26 policy proposal system Assessment Framework for the Daegu Initiative policy proposal systems for SMEs, and what are the number of proposals and adaptations on an annual basis? 4 G-9. Are there organized-andindependent SME associations and See D-3 craft associations operating at national level, which have capacity to conduct constructive and regular policy proposals on a wide range of SME policy issues, and what are their activities?