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

LATVIAProgramme/Policy DocumentNational Innovation Programme 2003-2006National Programme for Developmentof Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises(2002-2006)Areas of Focus/Policy Instruments- approved by the government in April 2003- an action plan for national innovation, including goalsand activities to:- raise public awareness- accelerate the development of knowledge-based sectorsand growth of products with high-added value- emphasize the necessity for creating a favorableenvironment for innovative activity and promotinggrowth of state innovation capacity- increase # SMEs per 1000 inhabitants from 16 to 30 by2005- improve the environment for entrepreneurship- promotion of access to capital for SMEs – encouragingmore active involvement of commercial banks in offeringloans to SMEs- ensure availability of necessary non-financial supportservices, as well as developing human resources- promote SME competitiveness- promote origination of new entrepreneurial initiativesand SME development in territories with low index ofsocio-economic developmentNational Development Plan (2003-2006) - adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers in December 2001- aimed at supporting the formation of industrial parks inLatvia- total financing for science/research/innovation of €123million from state budgetLatvian National Employment Plan - employment rate enhancing actions includingestablishment of territorial councils for professionaleducation- support to market oriented research projects taken onby institutes, laboratories and practical research bycompaniesCrediting Programme for Developmentof SMEs- funding of start-ups and projects without adequatefinancing- has been approved for phase two activities, with a longtermgoal to ensure SME development by enhancingopportunities for receiving financing and to establish aneffective SME support mechanism- The State will offer 34.3 M Euro to Latvian Mortgage andLand Bank to offer SMEs loans on special conditions70