The business information market in Hungary

Abstract

Aims to map the Hungarian business information market emerging in the wake of the deep structural changes in the country’s economy. Uses the results of a questionnaire survey conducted among business information providers in 1992‐93 in outlining the actors of the market and their behavioural patterns. States that the demand side of the market consists mainly of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), and big, private companies with foreign interests. Notes that large, state‐owned enterprises rarely use business information, and the supply side is represented by government institutions, by chambers, associations and foundations, and by private enterprises providing business information. Observes that many SMEs do not consider business information important and others are unaware of providers and sources. Explains that the type of business information services most in demand is consulting on legal, tax and accounting matters, followed by market and company information. Notes an increasing number of Hungarian business databases, some of them up to standard, and some needing improvement in quality and coverage. Argues that because of their resources and information skills, libraries should play an important role in the Hungarian business information market, not only as service providers, but as intermediaries as well, directing customers to the appropriate suppliers.