This book seeks to analyze how small and medium businesses react to the economic and financial crisis. Its focus is on the activities and strategies of SMEs in the areas of innovation, R&D investment, labor markets and finance. The book takes an international perspective and includes both comparative and national analyses and policies, with authors representing acdemia and international institutions such as the ECB, OECD, Kauffman Foundation, Federal Reserve, and US Small Business Administration.

Giorgio Calcagnini is Professor of Economics at the University of Urbino, Italy, where he teaches courses and conducts applied research on investment, macro- and micro-economic theory, and the financial system. He was a researcher at ISCO and at the Confindustria, both in Rome.

Ilario Favaretto is Professor of Regional Economics at the University of Urbino, Italy. His current research focuses on the role of small businesses adopting an international perspective and expecially focusing on European policies.