Innovations in SME segment: Important factors and differences in the approach by size and age of the company

Abstract

Innovations are an important part of business activities, because of their impact on the market position and financial performance of enterprises. Furthermore, they help keep existing companies in a growing competitive environment. The aim of the article is to define and quantify significant factors which determine inclination to innovations in the segment of SMEs. In this context, empirical research in the Slovak economic environment was realized The total number of respondents in this research was the 529. Pearson's statistic and regression analysis were used to confirm hypotheses. The research showed that 56% of SMEs regularly undertake innovative activities while larger and older firms invest more intensively. Financial motivation and awareness of SMEs on governments' innovation policy in Slovakia is relatively low. The biggest impact on companies' innovation activities has sufficient awareness about government innovation policy; less impact has other independent variables: external funding sources and government's financial incentives.