Through all the years of integrated service to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the U.P. Institute for Small-Scale Industries has made studies that probed deep into the problems affecting and the mechanics operating within the sector.  The results of such studies have provided many users, such as policy makers, development planners, program implementors, bankers, and others, as well as the small entrepreneurs themselves valuable insights that have led to a better understanding of the sector.  

SME research takes the following forms:

  • Research in aid of legislation, policy-making, and program formulation and reforms. Program evaluation research Entrepreneurship research Area economic studies (e.g. baseline economic surveys) Training-oriented research (e.g. case studies, training manuals and other training materials) Extension-oriented research (e.g. feasibility studies, business plans, market studies, borrowing manuals, etc.)
  • Entrepreneurs' fora (e.g. "kapihan" type discussions)

 Knowledge Reservoir project
  An Electronic directory of companies and a search engine for information on industries   where SMEs are concentrated.

Catalogue of Selected Research Studies 1996-2004

  • Case Studies of Successful Entrepreneurs Part II (Dreamers, Doers, Risktakers – 2) – Documentation of 26 couples who have successfully put up their business, highlighting startup, growth and expansion and problem-solving strategies. Couples also talk of advantages and disadvantages of being business and marital partners, role stereotyping, and coping with power conflicts. (2004)
  • Case Stories of Enterprise Development Initiatives in ARCs. - a documentation of how selected agrarian reform communities (ARCs) and cooperaties have successfully put and managed micro and small enterprise projects, highlighting success factors. Done for the UNDP- DAR (2003)
  • An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Borrowing – An update of a manual done in 1996. Catalogues the various loan programs for SMEs by government and private financial institutions, with tips on how to assess ones financial requirements, how to approach a bank, and how to write a business plan. (2003)
  • Survey on Entrepreneurial Characteristics Among Students - A survey on how far the Youth Entrepreneurship and Cooperativism in Schools (YECS) program developed entrepreneurial competencies among students. Involves 520 respondents. (2003)
  • SME Sectoral Analysis - A validation of industry sectors and clusters to be given priority by the Development Bank of the Philippines' Industrial and Support Services Expansion Program, Phase 2 (ISSEP II).  The sectors were selected on the basis of how they grew in operations and performed in export between 1994-2000. (2001-2002)
  • Local Adaptation of the ITC Manual on "How to Evaluate Trade Credit Requests - Provides information on basic lending facilities and practices involved in commercial transactions common to Philippine exporters.  (2001)
  • Local Adaptation of ILO's Improve Your Business Manual."  A guide for the one-man managemet typical among local SMEs. Covers marketing, purchasing, stock control, production, costing, record keeping and financial planning. (2001)
  • Case Stories of DOST-assisted SMEs (Vol. 2) - The second series of documented cases of successful S & T interventions to the industry and agriculture sectors by various agencies of DOST.  Includes cases on pineapple production, essential oil extraction, nipa wine making, sabutan hat production, rubber processing, pole treatment, etc. (2000)
  • Study on the Gifts, Toys and Hardware Sector in Region 6 - An updated profile on the GTH sector as an input to development-policy making in the region.  Identified the industry's strenths and weaknesses as well as opportunities and threats being faced.  Done for the DTI.  (2000)
  • Case Stories of DOST-assisted SMEs (Vol. 1) - The first of a series of documented cases of successful S & T interventions to the production sector.  Programs featured include Venture Finance, Pilot Plant, Productivity Extension, Prototype Development and other programs. (1999)
  • Local Adaptation of the ITC Manual on "How to Approach Banks" - Addresses the need for exporters to access financing programs and institutions for trade facilitation. (1999)
  • Survey of Women Entrepreneurs in SME - The Philippine component of an APEC-wide study. Drew a profile of women entrepreneurs, identified their problems and needs, and formulated recommendations for expanding opportunities for women from a sample of 139 respondents. (1999)
  • Case Studies of Successful Entrepreneurs - A compilation of 24 stories of  successful and growth-oriented small entrepreneurs highlighting subjects' business motivations, entry modes, growth pains, growth strategies, problems and opportunities, coping mechanisms, support systems, and personal management style. (1998)
  • Innovative Approaches to SME Development:  Selected Experiences - Study of the impact of five SME development projects supported by the Tokyo-based Foundation for Advanced Management Development (FAMD) in the Philippines.  (1997)
  • Manual on New Enterprise Planning - A distance-learning manual on how to write a small business plan.  Includes modules on scanning the environment, knowing the market, making the product, and determining financial viability.  (1997)
  • Manual on Personal Entrepreneurial Development - A distance-learning manual on how to identify and enhance personal competencies for starting and running a business.  Includes modules on personal assessment, developing competencies, and making a personal development plan.