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TransAtlantic Small Business Initiative
European People’s Party in the European-Parliament Brussels TASBI - the TransAtlantic Small Business Initiative’s struggle in Europe and USA in supporting valid business conditions for SME’s and Entrepreneurs
by Jørn W.Phigalt, Chairman of TASBI, CEO of ITM Europe, Denmark – one of the 25 members of the new Europe
Never before has it been so attractive and yet so difficult to do global business, and as SME’s constitute the overwhelming majority of all companies on both sides of the Atlantic, they are forced to look and act international. For SME’s the key word is joining up in Partnership’s in cross-border business. For many years SME’s have been recognized by the EU Councils and the US Government as a policy priority for the European and the US economy, and by that we as SME’s have an obligation to pursue opportunities in inter European alliances and in the Trans Atlantic Business – with the aim to create long-lasting results through a better life, new jobs and better opportunities. While major companies have the resources and the financial strength to let their opinion be heard, SME’s do not have the same option. But it is essential to note that SME’s very seldom can afford to do all internationalization activities, such as global PartnerSearches (the absolute 1st priority for SME’s), Matchmaking, Research & Development, Market Intelligence and Information Searches by themselves and they don't have the resources to be involved in highly risky areas and 'business adventures'. These factors, combined with the fact that SME's are very vulnerable to 'business surprises' like supplementary investments, etc., give rise to the need for an organization to focus at the key problems that SME’s are facing. Since November 1995 the TABD - Transatlantic Business Dialogue - and from 1996 TASBI - the Transatlantic Small Business Initiative - have offered an effective framework for enhancing cooperation between transatlantic business communities and have highlighted trade problems and political issues related to SME’s daily business – initiatives solely based on volunteer work from CEO’s on both side of the Atlantic. The active involvement of SME’s in the TransAtlantic Business Dialogue have been essential with their participation in the development of ‘bridges over the Atlantic’, to facilitate co-operation and to increase trade and investment flows between Europe and America.
TASBI have been working for increased TransAtlantic Business in 3 areas... Real Partnering Events - where long lasting strategic alliances has been the key element. TASBI had in the process recognizes that sales activities still will be a part of these events, but the exchange of ideas, patents, services, designs etc., combined with subcontracting, OEM’s and value added services, has always been the preferred direction. In order to conduct those successful events, both sides had understood the variation in business mentality and conduct, and the need for in-depth dialogues. TASBI have helped SME's with this knowledge and insight and recognizing the opportunities beyond the traditional sales view, SME’s have had an increased interest in discussing TransAtlantic Business. More than 4.000 companies on both side of the Atlantic have participated in the 21events that has been conducted since TASBI was launched. The variety have been big and I would like to mention the 4 latest events
where TASBI with support from the European Union and the US Commercial Service, could grant 500.000 Euro’s[1] to secure participation from 9 European member states and 16 US states - setting up business meeting with 265 American and 212 European companies – 477 companies who might not have meet without the involvement of TASBI.
TASBI’s second activity have been Networking activities - with traditional matchmaking service for a network of PartnerSearch specialists. We have recognizes that human networks of specialists in PartnerSearch and Trade Promotion can assist SME’s in an optimal way through volunteer network, but assisted with minimal support from government bodies on both side of the Atlantic. These networks have facilitated partnerships through the European Commission’s BC-Net, BRE Service and EIC’s, combined with the initiatives of the US Commercial Service, NASDA and US Chamber of Commerce. And third - Information on market areas and opportunities - using the Internet as a display for relevant trade information and links to relevant information sites relating to doing business in the EU and the US
TASBI’s top priority has always been real Partnering and, with the introduction of e-commerce, the market has set new standards for Service, Matchmaking and Reliable Partners in the global market.
When the European Union in 2001 and simultaneously the US Government decided not to allocate any funding for support to this vital assistance to SME’s any longer - the organized and effectfull partnership events and the transatlantic business that became a reality, vanished… Today TABD is under reconstruction – leaving TASBI and the SME’s out. The practical forum for sharing, informing and networking have been reduced and once again the SME’s is forced to seek assistance and help from other sources, who do not have both the political insight, the access to the government bodies and the resources to build long lasting relations. It was a historical day in Copenhagen in December 2002 when the old separated Europe suddenly became a new family – closing the gap of more that 40 years of separation and uncertainty, opening the gate for 10 new member states. Now the group of SME’s in Europe is even larger, and even the new Europe with its 25 member states looks forward to prosperity and success, they still need SME’s who desperately is looking for new business partners, new innovations & ingenuity and search for new opportunities. The 10 new countries are not only looking at the traditional Western Europe, they also look for business with the United States. And the time for this is now.
TASBI have represented all private SME’s in Europe and in the US, who were actively involved in Trans Atlantic Business on a business-to-business relation. The TASBI group have worked closely with - the European Commission, DG External relations and DG Enterprise - the US Government - US Commercial Service – NASDA – and the US Chamber of Commerce, to improve support and influence on policy matters. Europe needs TransAtlantic Business. Europe needs active and creative SME’s. SME’s in Europe needs help and assistance. An important foundation for TASBI has always been vision, knowledge and insight in the EU Commission and US Government’s business policies when it comes to SME’s issues - and to make the SME’s heard in the agenda. Therefore we welcome this initiative and extend our warmest thanks to the organizing committee who have set-up this excellent framework for us to air the opinion of European SME’s in the TransAtlantic business. [1] European Unions call for proposal (1999/C 255/07).
- one of the 27 member states in the new Europe |
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A special presentation for the members of the
The globalization wave and the constant pressure of internationalization for
Small and Medium sized companies has created a turbulent marketplace within
Europe and USA, not only in relation to the 10 new accession countries to the
European Union, but also in regard to business relations across the Atlantic.
ITM