This research will measure productivity of SMEs at the UK-level and the region/devolved nation level with particular attention on Wales. This study focuses on innovation and management practices as the two drivers of productivity. The measurement of productivity in this study will not only include some important factors that influence the growth of modern firms, such as management and skills, but also provid conclusions based on comparative work for regional development, particularly for Wales and other regions.

This research will be of particular value to work of the new ESRC Productivity Institute in which Cardiff University is a collaborator, and in particularly the work of its Wales Productivity Forum containing regional business leaders and government/public officials. The collaboration with Office for National Statistics (ONS) will allow outcomes to be shared internally within ONS.