Competing in the Single Market - SMEs and ... - Erhvervsstyrelsen

On the whole, the B4 have relatively active lobbying and support networks for SMEs, both publiclyandprivately-led. The primary issue is not the lack of adequate governance mechanisms for SMEs andinnovation policies, but rather the lack of coordination between the different actor groups.Programmes, Policies and ProgressAs with the institutional structure, programmes and policy mechanisms focused on SMEs havedeveloped rapidly over the past several years. EU accession (and PHARE funds) has served as aguiding and catalysing force in this area. In each of the B4 countries, there are several key policydocuments establishing priorities for action to support SMEs. In most of the B4 countries, SMEsare specifically mentioned in the context of their national innovation programmes. An overview ofprogrammes supporting SME development, although not exhaustive, is provided in Table 18 below.Table 18: Overview of Selected Programme/Policy Documents Affecting SMEs in the B4ESTONIAProgramme/Policy DocumentEnterprising Estonia – National Policy forthe Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Estonia in 2001-2006Estonian Research and DevelopmentStrategy 2002-2006 “Knowledge-basedEstonia”Competence Centres ProgrammeInnoAwareness ProgrammeAreas of Focus/Policy Instruments- development of human resources through support for retrainingand continued education- improved access to finance through non-repayable startupaid, and SME credit and leasing guarantees- development of business support infrastructure throughadvisory services and business training- improved access to business information- reduction of administrative barriers- establishment of incubation centres and industrial parks- approved in 2001 with the aim of turning Estonia froman investment-based economy into an innovation-driveneconomy by updating the pool of knowledge (one targetis to increase R&D expenditure to 1.5% of GDP by 2006)and by increasing the competitiveness of enterprises- launched in January 2003 to develop cooperationbetween R&D institutions and enterprises- enhancing R&D cooperation and technologydevelopment, and aligning it to the needs of industry- increase competitiveness of enterprises through moreintensive and strategic RD&I cooperation between theresearch and business sector- foster clustering through bringing together peopledealing with the same technology area from bothbusiness and research sectors to develop newcompetitive products and services- launched during 2003/2004 for innovation capacitybuilding in SMEs- provides resources and knowledge on innovationmanagement69