A “modern Marshall Plan” for evolving economies

Wherever entrepreneurial activity is not in strong evidence, it has been inhibited or made illegal. Participatory democracy - essential for entrepreneurial initiative - cannot be sustained without a strong educated middle class that has a stake in political and economic stability. The transition from dictatorship to democracy is difficult. A more rapid development can take place through a process of jump-starting less developed countries' small businesses in joint ventures with developed-nation companies. The US Department of Commerce piloted the concept in Israel with remarkable results. Currently, there are about 5,000 joint ventures forming between US and European companies, bypassing bureaucratic and cultural barriers. The US and other developed countries must provide leadership in promoting the process of the removal of barriers and provision of incentives for entrepreneurial initiatives. The result can be the modern Marshall Plan of the late 20th century.