The critical view on innovation activity in SME´s sector in Slovakia

Abstract

Innovations are the drive of economic development advancing the possibilities of future competitiveness in the form of new knowledge and increasing economy´s efficiency and performance, particularly through small and medium enterprises (SME). To strengthen innovation activities is one of the main tasks of SME nowadays. The aim of the article is to give the critical view on innovation activity in SME´s sector in Slovakia. Because of the need to use a systemic approach the stress will be given to identifying main factors influencing innovation activity of Slovak SME. Presented will be results of own empirical research devoted to identification of main barriers to develop innovation activity identified among SME. Formulated will be presumptions and recommendations for relevant public institutions as well as for SME to overcome the barriers. For the research purposes we will utilize evaluation of relevant secondary data as well as results of own empirical research.