Don't over-engineer growing entrepreneurs

John Mullins, Associate Professor of Management Practice in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, London Business School, comments:

“As in most places, the best thing regional governments can do to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses in the Middle East is to not over-engineer their efforts to assist.  A key strategy to adopt is to focus on nurturing local talent by encouraging professional development through education and apprenticeships, rather than through hiring quotas.”

“The UAE, as an example, is on the right track to encourage local talent and entrepreneurship through the establishment of the new Dh 600 million fund to help mid-sized companies grow. The key to the success of this fund will be its focus on growing companies, which is where the real job-creation potential actually lies. Drawing on the experience of private sector lenders who can suggest the best ways to invest these loans will ensure they are effective.”