Accreditation: a key factor for the development and internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises

 

In a global scenario where the SMEs They represent 95% of companies and generate between 60% and 70% of employment, according to data from the World Trade Organization (WTO), these companies often face challenges such as financing, high regulatory costs, and barriers to foreign trade. However, accreditation is emerging as an effective solution that allows them to differentiate themselves and compete on equal terms with large corporations.

 

To mark the World Accreditation Day, held on June 9 under the motto "Accreditation, an engine for the development of SMEs", international organizations such as the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) have highlighted how accredited services drive the growth, innovation and international expansion of these companies. A study by the British Standards Institution (BSI) reveals that 35% of companies that implement technical standards experience productivity improvements, and in the food sector, accredited certification has reduced product recalls by 40%.

 

Furthermore, accreditation not only facilitates inclusion in global supply chains and boosts job creation, but also significantly reduces barriers to international trade. A clear example is that of New Zealand, where the country's Economic Research Institute has shown that accreditation contributed to more than 56% of its exports, equivalent to approximately $27.600 billion.

 

Accreditation, a pillar of the tax incentive system for innovative SMEs in Spain

 

ILAC and IAF highlight an initiative by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism of the Government of Spain as a success story in the implementation of accreditation. This initiative, designed to promote the R&D&I in SMEs, uses accreditation as an evaluation mechanism for granting tax benefits. The publication of an order regulating the obtaining of the "Innovative SME" seal allows these companies to access significant tax advantages for their dedication to research, development, and innovation. This discount represents direct savings in business expenses and facilitates the hiring of research personnel, which represents a significant competitive advantage.

 

To obtain this seal, one of the ways is to present a certificate issued by a certification entity accredited by ENACIn this way, accreditation becomes a fundamental tool to guarantee confidence in the technical competence of these entities, and consequently, in the process of granting tax benefits, directly impacting SMEs.

 

Confidence and efficiency through competent assessments

 

Beyond tax incentives, contracting accredited services offers SMEs multiple benefits that are crucial for their full development and differentiation in today's market. On the one hand, it generates savings and efficiency, as accredited evaluation services minimize the need for redundant evaluations for the same product. On the other hand, it provides greater security in decision-making, based on reliable results that reduce the risk of producing or supplying defective products, increasing the company's legal security.

 

Furthermore, the use of accredited services is increasingly valued in public procurement documents worldwide and is an essential tool for the exporting and recognition in international markets. ENAC accreditation is accepted and recognized in more than 120 countries, thus facilitating the global expansion of Spanish companies.