SME Financing in Canada, 2002 — Part III: SME Financing Data Initiative: History and Outlook

Planning and Priorities For Improved Data Collection

Given the scope of the SME Financing Data Initiative, the partners established a five-year horizon for bringing the data collection and research program to maturity. A long-term strategy was needed because of aspects of the data collection that require survey respondents to make system changes.

The schedule below reflects the issues outlined in the government's mandate and research topics recommended for further study in the MacKay Task Force report, as previously shared with the Industry Committee. Included is the projected time frame for future baseline surveys, as well as an overview of specialized studies planned for the near future. Additional studies and brief surveys will likely be conducted as the data analysis from the baseline surveys suggests topics for more in-depth research.