No. 8. The Gatekeeper Problem: Certification Keeps Thousands of SMEs Out
Most SMEs don’t fail because of technology.They fail because of paperwork.The gatekeeping mechanisms:EN9100AQAPCybersecurity requirementsExport controlsMaterial traceabilityProcess documentationThese requirements eliminate companies long before price or quality enter the conversation.A striking number:Up to 60% of SMEs fail their first attempt to enter a major OEM supplier list due to missing documentation or process maturity.Not capability.Not talent.Not experience.Documentation.This is the real battlefield for future suppliers.
