The impact of technological factors on the quality of the business environment

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to define and quantify important technological factors that shape the quality of the business environment in the SME segment. In regards to this aim, survey based research was conducted among enterprises in the SME segment. 312 enterprises in the Czech Republic and 329 enterprises in the Slovak Republic were approached Questionnaires were used to collect entrepreneurs' attitudes. To evaluate statistical hypotheses, methods of mathematical statistics were used such as linear regression modelling, correlation, VIF analysis, F-tests, and T-tests. The results of the questionnaire brought interesting findings. The infrastructure in the field of research and development; the availability of human capital, as well as the cooperation between the private and the public sector, have a positive effect on the quality of the business environment. The entrepreneurs' attitudes indicate that the quality of the business environment is by one fourth influenced by the above mentioned technological factors. Out of all the defined technological factors, the cooperation between the private and the public sector had the largest impact on the quality of the SME business environment in the selected countries. The results of the research can serve as the groundwork for the academic field, the public sector, small and medium-sized enterprises, and state and non-profit organizations who strive for continuous improvement of the business environment.