Background

The Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), and the University of Tokyo (Center for Research and Education in Program Evaluation) will hold the Conference on the Ecosystem of Vibrant MSMEs for Resilient Growth in Asia and the Pacific on 15 November 2024 in Manila, ADB headquarters. This program is part of the Launch Seminar of the Asia Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Monitor (ASM) 2024 on 13–15 November 2024.

The ASM is a signature knowledge product (annual report) developed as a key resource for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) development in Asia and the Pacific (https://www.adb.org/publications/series/asia-small-medium-sized-enterprise-monitor). It aims to support governments of ADB’s developing member countries in promoting evidence-based policy design on MSME development through providing a unique data platform developed by ADB and participating DMCs and delivering high quality analyses on MSMEs and policy interventions.

The objective of the conference is to promote high-quality, frontline research on MSME development issues that support inclusive growth in developing Asia and the Pacific and to foster knowledge sharing among social scientists, development practitioners, and policymakers. Selected papers are to be published as Chapters of the ASM 2024 Volume II – Strengthening an Ecosystem of Vibrant MSMEs for Resilient Growth in Asia and the Pacific (to be published in February 2025).