The concept of an Institute is an oxymoron. While it implies advanced learning is some subject area,the learning per se can take different  forms: running of courses,research activities,dissemination of advanced learning,networking,publication etc.But ,nevertheless,it all implies two key aspects:1) amassing of knowledge and expertise in a subject area; and 2) the utilization of such knowledge and expertise for a specific purpose(s).

Every institution has a mandate,on the basis of which it works.But,how that institution becomes relevant to an individual or group of people,depends on how such mandate  corresponds with the interests of the  latter.On the basis of such homogeneity of interests,such institutions/individuals come together,and thereby emerges the concept of stake holders.

By mandate and programme,ISED caters to the interests of an array of people and groups: media,entrepreneurs,academia,policy makers,financial institutions etc.Each ot the categories have a reason to approach or work with ISED.

For the entrepreneurs,and especially the SME entrepreneurs,there is significant reasons to  work with the Institute,specificially for its constituency focus on,information exchange,training opportunities and mentoring activities.Besides,the Institute performs a key role in enlightened advocacy.

For policy makers,the Institute provides a platform of enlightened views and perspectives on emrging trened in the economy,with special reference to enterprise development.Having independent policy positions,it offers both critical perspectives,both on existing public development programmes,as also on innovative policies.

For the media,ISED offers a rich source of resources, for examining what is and what ought to be.The compass of much of media activity today is the vulnerable sections of  society ,on the one hand, and the corporate sector,on the other.Experience and policies relating to both are the main area the Institute dwells with.

In the late 1980s when ISED came into being,SMEs was not at all in the mainstream of the development agenda,and hence,much neglected by academics.Now being the cornerstone of the development agenda,a holistic view of a continuous nature is vital for  academic inquiries in this area.ISED offers an institutional platform that matters.

Gone are the days of banking  that is exclusively anchored on profitability.The catchwords today are inclusiveness and micro finance.But the neww thrust demands an altogether different set of skills for the banker- he deed to be an adept on the lower layers of the productive system,which he seeks to oil through policy decisions.But to understand the world of SMEs is too difficult an exercise,which needs consistent effort