External players in the PSD space encompass a range of institutions, including multilateral and bilateral development institutions, and private organizations such as foundations, for-profit firms and civil society organizations

A few multilateral development institutions carry out a significant portion of financial interventions. They also engage in the bulk of the research and policy advice, in addition to providing TA and capacity-building services

Bilateral development institutions carry out some financial interventions, and provide TA and capacity-building services, in addition to some networking and coordination services

Existing/ emerging areas of intervention in the PSD space include:

• Facilitating the direct involvement of private sector in the provision of basic services
• Strengthening institutions and developing regulatory frameworks that support PSD
• A focus on providing resources and services to SMEs, and supporting the reform and simplification of regulations affecting the environment for entrepreneurs
• A focus on the importance of good governance and adoption of standards

Key players in the space have focused on defining a strategic niche and building up internal capacities to support their PSD goals and objectives

Potential for playing an “impartial broker” role between governments and other development players on domestic PSD issues

Opportunities to partner with multilateral and bilateral development institutions on a number of issues, including those relating to the enabling environment and capacity-building for micro enterprise and SMEs (e.g., through providing assistance for capacity-building activities)

Opportunity to partner with domestic and international NGOs in implementation, and to leverage their local expertise, share knowledge and best practices

Opportunity to leverage skills, knowledge and resources of multilateral and bilateral players in designing domestic PSD programmes

Potential for taking a leadership role in the promotion or advancement of a specific issue relating to PSD, e.g., informality

Need for flexibility at the country and regional level on identifying emerging and potential opportunities and shaping UNDP’s role accordingly