The EU manufacturing sector is vitally important to the EU economy, contributing ~17.1% of GDP and accounted for some 22 million jobs (2007) . EU exports have expanded by 4.7% p.a. over 2000-2008 and in some sectors the EU has increased its share of world exports between 1996 and 2006, notably in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and motor vehicles. SMEs represent 99% of the EU manufacturing sector equa ...