Implementation of the SME Barometer for 2027 (VN/20171/2026)

Implementation of the SME Barometer for 2027 (VN/20171/2026). Subject of the Request for Proposals The subject of the procurement is the implementation of data collection and reporting for a barometer that surveys the economic expectations of SMEs twice a year. The SME Barometer describes the activities of small and medium-sized enterprises and their economic operating environment. The focus is on the economic expectations of SMEs and their development, growth, and renewal. Internationalization, investments, and financing are also covered. The first survey round of the barometer will be conducted in December-January (publication in mid-February) and the second in July-August (publication by mid-September) in 2027. The first survey would thus start in December 2026, and the survey form would be updated in November 2026. Examples of the survey form are attached. The length of the survey form is a maximum of 50 questions. However, the survey form will always be confirmed separately for each round. Some questions are variable. In addition, some topics are examined with both a narrow and a broad set of questions, so that some questions are included only in the spring or autumn barometer. The survey will be conducted in Finnish and Swedish. The client is responsible for the translation of the form. Target Group and Sample The target group for the survey is SMEs (employing fewer than 250 people). The sample group will be formed so that its structure (regionality, industry distribution, and employee size) corresponds as closely as possible to the SME structure in Finland. The TOL 2008 industry classification and Statistics Finland's Business Register or another comprehensive business database have been used as the sampling frame. The supplier must have access to a comprehensive register suitable for obtaining company contact information, which can be supplemented with information from the Finnish Entrepreneurs' member register if necessary. The supplier must monitor the respondent group and the representativeness of the results based on it during data collection. The supplier must select a sample and obtain responses from a sufficient number of companies so that regional, industry-specific, and employee size representativeness is achieved. Generally, the data for the SME barometer has been based on data from approximately 4,500–6,000 responding companies. The survey will be conducted mainly as an internet survey, which can be supplemented by a mobile-based survey. A balanced sample will be ensured by additional telephone interviews if necessary. See Appendix 1, Description of Procurement, for more details.