Get in touch with the team to learn more about partnering with us, study opportunities, our initiatives and much more. Or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram to keep up with the latest news and events.
Deakin Small-to-Medium Enterprise Research Centre
Empowering small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy
About the Centre
The Deakin Small-to-Medium Enterprise Research Centre delivers real impact for SMEs through applied research, training and policy advocacy. Combining Deakin’s academic expertise with industry insights and networks, we provide practical solutions tailored to SME needs.
Our history
In 2010, academics from Deakin University, Melbourne University and Monash University were commissioned by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) to research private company financial reporting. Building on this work, the Institute of Public Accountants and Deakin launched the SME Research Partnership in 2013 to bridge academia and industry. Since then, we have secured over $6.7 million in Centre-led research funding and grown to a team of over 15 researchers who together have produced more than 350 publications in the past five years. Today, the Centre leads collaborations across government, business and industry peak bodies, delivering applied research, policy impact and innovation to better support SMEs.
Our vision
To be the leading SME-focused centre in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, shaping the future of SME ecosystems through impactful partnerships and thought leadership.
What sets us apart
We ground our work in values that shape how we partner with our stakeholders and deliver meaningful outcomes.
- Focus on impact: We are committed to delivering tangible outcomes through bespoke support, aligned with the needs of our partners and the broader SME community.
- Global perspective, local relevance: While our outlook is international, our solutions are deeply rooted in the realities of local SME challenges.
- Evidence-based solutions: All our work is grounded in rigorous evidence and clear reporting, going beyond traditional data analysis by asking the right questions, applying lateral thinking and leveraging new data sources to deliver real-time, practical insights.
- Independence and Integrity: We operate with full independence and adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards.
- Multidisciplinary expertise: Embedded within a large university, we have access to a wide array of experts. For instance, we can bring together a professor of commercial law, a global value chain specialist and an agriculture academic within a single project team.
- Cost-effective approach: Our not-for-profit mandate with a focus on societal impact allows to deliver a strong value proposition.
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Get in touch with the Deakin Small-to-Medium Enterprise Research Centre
Have a question, research enquiry or collaboration idea? Get in touch with the Deakin Small-to-Medium Enterprise Research Centre team by submitting your details through our online enquiry form.
Navigating today's SME challenges
Small and medium businesses are the driving force in our economy. Addressing their challenges is at the heart of everything we do at the Deakin Small-to-Medium Enterprise Research Centre.
Centre highlights
We deliver high-impact research and policy outcomes that have shaped national reforms, unlocked major funding and established landmark programs.
- $6.7M+ research funding secured to date
- $2B SME finance policy impact, contributing directly to the creation of the Australian Business Securitisation Fund (2018)
- Regulatory reform: removal of the special purpose financial statements (SPFS) reporting option for large private companies (2021)
- Recipient of Deakin Business School’s largest grant funding to date, for the Counting on U program developed to support SME mental health and wellbeing
Our research themes
We drive impact through applied research, training and policy advocacy, with a strategic focus on the following priority areas:
Innovation
Our innovation research explores sector-specific advancements, different types of innovation (including products, services and processes) and the role of emerging technologies in driving SME business growth and competitiveness.
Digital transformation
Our digital transformation research explores cybersecurity, Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence-driven solutions, digital strategies and maturity models in the SME sector.
Leadership and growth
Our leadership and growth research includes adaptive leadership, strategic decision-making, financial leadership and people development, as well as a strong focus on stewardship and guiding businesses toward sustainable growth.
Wellbeing
Our work in SME wellbeing focuses on job stress and burnout prevention, workplace psychological health and safety, wellbeing frameworks, and the delivery of mental health interventions at the individual, firm and sector levels.
Business sustainability
Our business sustainability work examines SME productivity, sustainability metrics and reporting, policy and regulation, and economic sustainability, including access to finance and long-term business resilience.
Internationalisation
Our internationalisation research focuses on market entry strategies, global networks, policy and regulatory insights, cross-cultural factors and supply chain challenges, helping SMEs navigate and succeed in international markets.
Latest news
Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up with the latest news and events from the Deakin Small-to-Medium Enterprise Research Centre.
We’ve been awarded a $340K 2025 Maitri Grant to strengthen SME innovation and collaboration between Australia and India.
We represented SMEs at the Treasury’s Small Business Roundtable, advocating for regional data and policy insights in April 2025.
Contact us
Send an enquiry to the Deakin Small-to-Medium Enterprise Research Centre
