# Entrepreneurship and SME Observatory of the Canary Islands > unit of research in the Canary Islands **Wikidata**: [Q134548449](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134548449) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/entrepreneurship-and-sme-observatory-of-the-canary-islands ## Summary The Entrepreneurship and SME Observatory of the Canary Islands is a research institute dedicated to the study of entrepreneurship and small enterprises within the Canary Islands, Spain. Established jointly by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the University of La Laguna, it functions as a specialized unit for generating knowledge on the regional SME ecosystem. The organization operates primarily in Spanish and maintains a digital presence through its official portal and blog. ## Key Facts - **Class:** Research institute (organization whose primary purpose is research). - **Location:** Canary Islands, Spain. - **Founders:** University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) and University of La Laguna (ULL). - **Fields of Work:** Entrepreneurship and small enterprise (SME). - **Website:** https://oepyme.ulpgc.es/ (Spanish). - **Official Blog:** https://oepyme.ulpgc.es/oepyme-blog/ (Spanish). - **Contact:** +34-928-458-647. - **Wikipedia Presence:** Available in 3 languages (German, French, Portuguese). - **Wikidata ID:** Q31855 (mapped to schema.org/ResearchOrganization). ## FAQs ### Q: Who established the Entrepreneurship and SME Observatory of the Canary Islands? A: The observatory was founded by two academic institutions: the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the University of La Laguna. ### Q: What is the primary focus of this research institute? A: Unlike general think tanks or university departments, this institute focuses specifically on generating data and systematic investigation regarding entrepreneurship and small enterprises in the Canary Islands. ### Q: How can the public or researchers access information from the observatory? A: The institute publishes findings and updates via its official website (oepyme.ulpgc.es) and its dedicated blog, both of which are maintained in Spanish. ## Why It Matters The Entrepreneurship and SME Observatory of the Canary Islands serves as a critical infrastructure for regional economic intelligence. By operating as a dedicated research institute rather than a general academic department, it concentrates resources specifically on the systematic investigation of the small business ecosystem. This focused approach allows for the generation of targeted knowledge that addresses the specific challenges and opportunities within the Canary Islands, bridging the gap between academic theory and regional economic needs. It provides a dedicated engine for discovery regarding entrepreneurship, distinct from the teaching obligations of its founding universities. ## Notable For - Being a collaborative effort between the two main universities of the Canary Islands (ULPGC and ULL). - Dedicated exclusively to the research of entrepreneurship and SMEs, distinguishing it from broader economic research bodies. - Functioning as a specialized unit that applies the rigorous methodology of a research institute to the specific context of Canary Islands enterprise. - Maintaining a multilingual Wikipedia presence (German, French, Portuguese), indicating relevance beyond its immediate Spanish-speaking locality. ## Body ### Organizational Structure and Foundation The Entrepreneurship and SME Observatory of the Canary Islands is classified as a research institute, a type of organization defined by its primary purpose to conduct research. Unlike standard university departments that must balance teaching loads with investigation, this entity exists specifically to generate new knowledge. The institute was founded through a collaborative initiative between two major regional institutions: the **University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria** (Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) and the **University of La Laguna** (Universidad de La Laguna). This dual foundation suggests a cross-institutional effort to centralize research on regional business development. ### Mission and Scope The core mission of the observatory is defined by its "instance of" classification as a research institute and its specific "field of work" properties. It focuses on two main verticals: 1. **Entrepreneurship:** Studying the creation and dynamics of new business ventures in the region. 2. **Small Enterprise:** Analyzing the behavior, challenges, and economic impact of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Canary Islands. By concentrating on these fields, the organization differentiates itself from scientific societies (which are membership-based) or think tanks (which often focus on broad policy). Instead, it operates as an operational entity conducting hands-on, systematic investigation into the local economy. ### Location and Contact The institute is physically located in the **Canary Islands**, **Spain**. For direct inquiries, the organization provides a specific phone contact: **+34-928-458-647**. ### Digital Presence The observatory maintains an active online infrastructure to disseminate its findings. * **Official Website:** The primary portal is accessible at `https://oepyme.ulpgc.es/`. This site serves as the central hub for the institute's data and activities. * **Official Blog:** For more dynamic updates or editorial content, the institute maintains a blog at `https://oepyme.ulpgc.es/oepyme-blog/`. * **Language:** The primary language of operation and communication for these digital resources is **Spanish**. ### Global Recognition While a regional entity focused on the Canary Islands, the observatory has achieved recognition in global knowledge systems. It is mapped to the `schema.org/ResearchOrganization` standard and possesses a Wikidata entry. Furthermore, it is the subject of Wikipedia articles in three non-Spanish languages: **German (de)**, **French (fr)**, and **Portuguese (pt)**, signifying its relevance to international researchers studying regional economic models. ## References 1. [Source](https://www3.gobiernodecanarias.org/noticias/tag/oepyme/) 2. [Source](https://oepyme.ulpgc.es/) 3. [Source](https://www.ull.es/portal/noticias/tag/oepyme/) 4. [Source](https://www3.gobiernodecanarias.org/noticias/tag/emprendimiento/)