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Research centre to push SME focus
THE Institute of Public Accountants Deakin University SME Research Centre launched this week, is intent on ensuring that small business productivity and wellbeing remains a focal point within Australia’s economic agenda.
Speaking at the launch, IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway said that the emergence and evolution of the research centre comes at a critical time for the Australian economy.
“For too long it has been too easy for too many to claim to represent small business interests without concrete evidence. The IPA Deakin SME Research Centre changes that significantly,” said Mr Conway.
“We have already seen the impact of the publication of the first ever Australian Small Business White Paper. Our publication is generating a new level of public policy discourse that shifts the focus from the duality of government being seen as both the cause of small business regulation and the panacea.
“We know there are no easy fixes but what is important is robust, evidence-based policy input that draws on the combined wisdom of accountants as trusted advisers, regulators, policy makers and most importantly small businesses themselves.
“We have to move the language, and we believe we have, away from small business as the "engine room" and "backbone".
“Small business is not just the engine room. Small business is the fuel, the labour, the foundation, the entire plant and equipment.
“And small business is not just the backbone; it is the circulatory and nervous system of the economy. Moreover, small businesses keep our communities and families going.
“We have an obligation to understand their drivers, their challenges and assist them to realise their potential. Through the realisation of their potential, we will realise our collective potential. These factors will be key drivers for our SME research centre,” said Mr Conway.
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