Geneva, 28 April 2008 - Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) make up over 95% of private sector firms, making them the backbone of global economic activity. They have a key role to play in poverty alleviation by promoting economic growth that is inclusive and reaches the majority of people.

SMEs are also an important source of local supply and service provision for global companies. So how are some of the world's leading corporations building relationships with SMEs in the developing world? That's what a group of future leaders set out to explore.

Over the course of a year, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development's (WBCSD) engages high-potential future leaders in a long-term campaign to move sustainable development to the center of business thinking. The development workstream of the 2007 Future Leaders Team surveyed some 50 representatives from 12 WBCSD member companies and conducted informal interviews with SMEs in Brazil, China, Mexico and South Africa.

The team's informal study reveals a gap in perceptions about the relationship between companies and SMEs, as well as differing opinions about the success of the relationship.

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