The countries that were the hardest hit by the financial crisis were the African countries south of Sahara. Trade, investment and innovation have become the most important for nations to have a more stable economy and an improved life situation.
The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and the Foreign Policy Institute has developed a variety of suggestions on how entrepreneurship can help the growth and sustainable development. This does not only apply to the world's emerging economies, but also to Sweden.
One proposal is to create an innovative competition which is targeted at the most difficult challenges that exist on all these markets. The competition contributions consist of complete business models where the winning contributions receive financial aid and also may take advantage of existing support programs for business that the Swedish authorities offer.
Another proposal is to reach out to emerging markets through the establishment of new business incubators, which specifically focuses on the emerging markets. Knowledge and development for the incubators will be offered.
A third proposal is that a new research center should be established with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation on emerging markets. The center shall carry out applied and needs-oriented research in close collaboration with the industry and other sectors of the society.
Although the world has faced poverty in several areas, there are now signs that we are on track to get back to where we once were. The economic emphasis will be placed on Asia, but Africa will have an important role in the economy as well.
Sweden can contribute with a lot of help. There are opportunities for Swedish companies because the country is one of the world's leading research countries and we have good knowledge in many different areas. Sweden also has a good reputation which makes the country attractive in most situations.
Cecilia Helland