Capacity Building Towards Knowledge Based Economy

Brief Description of Main Deliverables/Outputs:
Global objective To foster the economic development of Macedonia through promotion of entrepreneurial learning, “innovation and knowledge” – based economy and to contribute in reducing the unemployment rate in the country. Expected results Increased capacity of the APPRM, SME Department (within the Ministry of Economy) and the regional centers is sufficient to cope with the needs of the SME’s Entrepreneurial programmes for supporting the SMEs in the country prepared and implemented. Established National Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning Support (NCELS) as independent legal body – leading institution in increasing awareness of the students, university professors, researchers, high school teachers and recent graduates about entrepreneurship and providing entrepreneurial training Increased employment of young highly educated people (based on comparative analysis of students who have passed UKIM-BSC trainings as well as based on functioning internship system).

Role on the Assignment

One of the project activities was to draft the National Annual SME Programme of the Republic of Macedonia for the Agency for Promotion of Entrepreneurship and Ministry of Economy. The assignment was carried out by conducting the desk research, organizing interviews with the relevant stakeholders (Ministry, Agency, regional center for entrepreneurship support, economic chamber, etc).
After all information are gathered the consultant drafted new SME Programme for 2011 and 2012 for the country including activities for the Ministry and Agency. At the end the approval from the relevant stakeholders was obtained.