The dearth of job opportunities in many developing economies is one of the major stumbling blocks to sustainable development. Local economic development (LED) has as its main goal the promotion of discussion at city or regional level as to how the developmental impact of local institutions and role-players can be improved. The study of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) has at its core the understanding of the development, functioning and impact of small businesses. Underlying both these areas is the hope that the fostering of LED and SMMEs will contribute to economic development and job creation. The CDS aims to contribute to the body of knowledge and policy formulation towards the fostering of LED and SMMEs.
Latest: CDS research associate Daan Toerien published a report on the 'enterprise architecture' of Free State Towns.
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