8. The nature of new firms in Ireland: empirical evidene and policy implications -- 9. Small firms and industrial districts: the experience of Italy -- 10. Urban dynamics and the new firm: the position of Amsterdam in the Northern Rimcity -- 11. The regional impact of public policy towards small firms in the United Kingdom -- 12. The economic importance of small and medium-sized firms in the Federal Republic of Germany -- 13. Relevance and nature of small and medium-sized firms in Southern Italy -- 14. Small manufacturing firms and regional development in Greece: patterns and changes -- Index