Introduction [Bridging the Equity Gap for Innovative SMEs]

There is an increasing perception that Europe's growth problems, in the present competitive environment, may be caused not so much by rigidities in labour markets, as by weaknesses in capital markets, and in particular in the access to risk capital. This chapter introduces the evaluation of the financial needs and constraints faced by start-up firms and the means for bridging their financing and equity gaps during the firm's most crucial growth phases. The role of public sector intervention is analysed, focusing on international best practices and the creation of public-private partnerships aiming at developing a private venture capital market for these innovative firms