Upgrading Informal Enterprises

The elective four sessions will focus on the upgrading informal enterprises (largely MSEs – micro and small enterprises). The course will be delivered together by Gopal Joshi, ILO Geneva and Kholoud Al-Khaldi, ITCILO Turin Centre. The course would examine the theoretical underpinnings of upgrading MSEs together with the strategies and experiences of various development agencies, including the ILO.  A Template will be used along with the resource materials for strategy development. How can public policy encourage participation of the private sector in unlocking the enterprise potential for creation of jobs and poverty reduction would be the focus of discussion.  ILO’s strategy of advancing Decent Work concept and Social Justice (as per the Declaration 2008) at the workplace would also be discussed. In formulating a strategy for upgrading the informal enterprises, a mix of policy options may need to be considered; i.e., legal recognition and empowerment, promoting linkages between formal and informal enterprises, scaling up the MSE activities and ensuring community support. Two Global Products developed in ILO Geneva:  Resource Guide for Upgrading MSEs and Labour Law & MSEs Resource Tool will be made available (on CD) along with recent reports,  articles and cases for discussion and strategy formulation during the course.