Bridging the Equity Gap for Innovative SMEs

This book explores the idea that Europes growth problems may be caused by weaknesses in capital markets and in the access to risk capital. It addresses the evaluation of the financial needs and constraints of start-up firms and how these might be bridged. The role of public sector intervention is analyzed, focusing on international best practices.

ELISABETTA GUALANDRI is a Full Professor in Banking and Finance at the Marco Biagi Faculty of Economics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy. Recent research topics include financial regulation and supervision, the New Basel Accord, the financing of ISMEs and public intervention programmes. She was appointed as an auditor of Banca dItalia in 2007.

VALERIA VENTURELLI is a Lecturer in Banking and Finance at the Marco Biagi Faculty of Economics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy. Her main research interests are the economics of banking and other financial institutions and finance for SMEs. She is author of several articles in leading academic journals.