RAISING COMPETITIVENESS OF CZECH SMES – ANALYSIS OF R&D SUPPORTING PROGRAMMES

Abstract

The article presents findings of two surveys pursued among Czech small and medium-sized enterprises focused on various supporting programmes in the field of research and development (R&D). The programmes are aimed mainly at commercial application of R&D, and hence are expected to be one of the main tools helping raise competitiveness of Czech enterprises. Recently, many public policies rely heavily on their positive effect. However, few research concerning effectiveness of the programmes has been pursued. The article intents to fill the research gap by surveying motivation of SMEs to participate, as well as benefits they obtain as a result of a funded activity. The article also discovers interesting insights regarding innovation activities of Czech enterprises.

Keywords

• R&D Programmes, Small and medium-sized enterprises, Innovation.

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