Market access

Challenges to decent work emerge from a complex interplay of enterprise practices, market demand, social norms and regulatory frameworks. To ensure that markets and value chains benefit all stakeholders, we need to move beyond traditional approaches. A systemic approach works on the wider system of rules, regulations and supporting functions, identifying and addressing the root causes that inhibit access to inclusive markets for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This results in more systemic impact that is both sustained (lasting behaviour change) and scaled (sector-wide rather than isolated changes).

The ILO applies the Market System Development (MSD) approach across various sectors. Through its Systems Change Initiative, it promotes decent work and productive employment to drive sustainable change in value chains. In forced displacement settings, the ILO employs the Approach to Inclusive Market Systems (AIMS) that focuses on understanding the overall system in which refugees and host communities live to facilitate tailor-made solutions that make the system work better for all.