he problems of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in Mexico

Abstract

Within the universe of smaller companies, currently, 98% of the manufacturing plant installed in Mexico is made up of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, and SMEs alone account for 42% of the economically active population. Hence the importance of creating conditions that foster their growth, as in the 21st century they will have to operate in an increasingly demanding environment in terms of design, modeling, and technological advancement (Montes de Oca 1999).
The Secretariat of Commerce and Industrial Development (Secofi) has proposed a new classification that distinguishes companies dedicated to industrialization from those engaged in trade or services. This will allow for a better identification of their potential and needs and enhance the possibilities of achieving objectives set in the following areas: regional roots, technological advancement, fostering competitiveness, reaching foreign markets, fostering innovation, inducing the habit of continuous improvement, and promoting operational productivity.