The Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) position is a classification used by the European Commission to indicating which business qualify as a small or medium enterprise. The SME sector is considered to be a key driver of economic growth and innovation in the European Union. In order to qualify as an SME, a business must meet the following criteria:
- Fewer than 250 employees
- Annual turnover not exceeding €50 million
- Annual balance sheet not exceeding €43 million
SMEs make up over 99% of all enterprises in the EU and account for two-thirds of all private sector employment. They are also responsible for the majority of new jobs created in the EU.
The SME sector is a key driver of economic growth and innovation in the European Union. SMEs accounted for around 60% of all new jobs created in the EU between 2000 and 2010. They also account for the majority of new businesses created in the EU each year.
SMEs are also responsible for a significant amount of innovation in the EU. In fact, around 60% of all patents registered in the EU come from SMEs.