ILO SCORE India : Any mantra for SMEs to improve long term competitiveness?

Globalization today means that industrial supply chains are stretching to all corners of the world. In developing and emerging economies, global supply chains offer unprecedented opportunities for enterprises to grow and create jobs. However, they also present tough challenges. International quality standards require suppliers to invest in technology, modernize management practices and develop workforce skills. Global competition and thin margins demand continual upgrades in productivity. Many multinational companies also insist that suppliers comply with codes of conduct to safeguard international labour and environmental standards. Meeting quality and productivity standards is a priority for suppliers. But does it really makes sense for the SMEs to improve working conditions and meet the social standards?