Regional Development and Aspect of Innovation Activity in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Slovenia

Abstract

Innovation capacity enables small and medium-sized enterprises a quick adaptation to changes in regional or in the international environment. However, in order for the SMEs to seize the opportunities, they need to consider several aspects. The purpose of the paper is to highlight the importance of innovation as a factor of economic development, national competitiveness and development of national economy. We analysed numerous data from several resources to give a snapshot of different aspects of innovation, different activities associated with innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises, and ways of organising these activities to create the innovation process. We have also explored which factors have been the most influential in the innovation performance of Slovenian small and medium-sized enterprises. We need to emphasise that irrespectively of the size of each region or country, innovation in enterprises is of great importance to the development and success of the economy. The results of the survey reveal that small and medium-sized enterprises in Slovenia are market-oriented. In implementing their innovation activities they are directed towards clients or customers. An important role in the development of innovations have the obtained sources of information in connection with research-based learning in the company, however, the strategic planning of innovation and collaboration with institutions in concrete projects with concrete innovations, is inadequate.