Innovation-friendly business environment
An innovation-friendly business environment makes companies more competitive and productive and leads to more trade and higher investment. This is the basis for growth. The more international economic integration progresses, the more important it is to have favourable framework conditions that enable efficient economic activity.
Favourable framework conditions
An innovation-friendly business environment makes a country more attractive and promotes long-term investment. SECO supports its partner countries in designing or improving the legal framework to establish, to operate and, if need be, to liquidate a company in a transparent and efficient manner. Corresponding reforms reduce the costs for companies and increase their planning reliability. This benefits SMEs in particular. In this way, they can maintain jobs or create new ones and generate sustainable economic growth. The reform projects financed by SECO improve the business environment and strengthen institutional capacities. SECO also supports innovation-oriented partnerships and the green transition of the economy.
The World Bank Business Ready report assesses the business environment and investment climate in national economies.
Equal opportunities
Reforms in the business environment also benefit women and people affected by poverty, who often work in sectors such as tourism or agriculture. These people are usually employed in the informal sector, are less connected and are particularly dependent on favourable and transparent regulations. Women are also frequently at a disadvantage because existing gender-sensitive laws are poorly implemented.
Innovative approaches and digitalisation
SECO supports the public and private sectors in partner countries to accelerate the digital transformation. In an innovative and digitalised environment, companies can adapt their business models more quickly, increase their competitiveness and tap into new markets. Innovative, digital approaches promote efficient, productive and transparent business. Companies can apply for business licences more quickly, complete approval procedures more efficiently, and saving time and resources. At the same time, there is less scope for corruption.