As the most comprehensive resource available for those involved in technology-based economic development, SSTI offers the services that are needed to help build tech-based economies. Learn more about membership...
Entrepreneurs Need Access to Capital: U.S. Slips to Fifth in New Milken Index
In the global competition to create the best markets for entrepreneurs, Hong Kong moved up from second place in 2005 to reclaim the top spot, according to the Milken Institute's 2006 Capital Access Index. Hong Kong was first in the 2004 edition of the index.
In 2006, Singapore rose from third to second place. The United Kingdom, ranking first in 2005, slipped back to third for the 2006 rankings, while the U.S. dropped from fourth to fifth because of an increase in the lending rate.
The big story is Canada, which rose from 10th place in 2005 to fourth on the latest index and shows the most improvement in scores for alternative sources of capital (moving from 30th place to 15th) and access to international capital (from 40th place to 18th).
First developed in 1998, the Milken Institute Capital Access Index ranks countries around the world in terms of the financial infrastructures that support entrepreneurial activity by providing access to capital. Factors in the ranking include macroeconomic environments, financial and banking institutions, the development of the equity and bond markets, and alternative capital sources, such as hedge funds.
The 2006 Capital Access Index is available at http://www.milkeninstitute.org.