No abstract

The aim of the study is to identify the similarities and differences regarding the level of entrepreneurial orientation and the performance results between Polish and Bulgarian companies in the context of the market dynamism they operate on. The subject is part of the research stream on discovering the context role in studying the effects of EO. In this research, an international (two-country) sample was used, which sheds light on the occurrence of EO in Polish companies in comparison to Bulgarian companies, with a simultaneous diagnosis of the level of results in these companies and the market dynamism that the companies perform their business with. Quantitative empirical studies were conducted using the CAWI method The research sample included micro, small, medium and large companies operating in Poland and in Bulgaria. Similarities and differences were recognized on the level of entrepreneurial orientation, company results and market dynamism in various perspectives, i.e. the size, the profile of business activities of the company according to PKD and the age of the company.

Streszczenie: Ośrodki innowacji (OI) stanowią instytucjonalną formę wsparcia przedsiębiorstw w procesie wdrażania innowacyjnych rozwiązań. Celem badań była identyfikacja barier napotykanych przez OI w Polsce w świadczeniu usług proinnowacyjnych na rzecz przedsiębiorstw. W artykule dokonano syntetycznego zestawienia oraz klasyfikacji ośrodków innowacji w Polsce, ich stanu i oferty, zidentyfikowano też miejsce usług proinnowacyjnych w ich ofercie. Badanie empiryczne dotyczące barier napotykanych w dostarczaniu usług wspierających innowacje na rynek przez OI przeprowadzono za pomocą kwestionariusza ankiety, metodą CAWI. Obiektem badań były OI funkcjonujące w Polsce, w tym w większości akredytowane przy Ministerstwie Przedsiębiorczości i Technologii. Zidentyfikowano i pogrupowano bariery utrudniające badanym OI realizację kompleksowych usług mających na celu pomoc firmom w opracowaniu i wdrożeniu rozwiązań innowacyjnych. Ustalenia mają implikacje dla praktyki i mogą posłużyć w procesie decyzyjnym zarówno menedżerom ośrodków, jak i projektodawcom programów wsparcia, finansowanym ze środków publicznych na poziomie krajowym i regionalnym.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to identify the role of market dynamism in the relationship between market orientation and the performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating in technology parks (TPs) in Poland. Methodology: The two methods used for performing the quantitative empirical research are CAWI and PAPI. The research sample included MSMEs operating in technology parks in Poland. The article is the answer to the needs for systematic research of models between market orientation and firm performance. Findings: The research findings provide an insight into the level of market orientation and performance of the analyzed MSMEs operating in technology parks in Poland. It was found that MSMEs in the research sample were not a homogeneous group in this respect. It has been proven that market orientation is a significant stimulant of firm performance, while market dynamism has not been classified as a moderator of the market orientation–firm performance relationship. Implications for theory and practice: This study contributes to strategic management by identifying the key role of market orientation for enterprises wishing to benefit from this type of strategic orientation. The important role of the predictor – market orientation in shaping the results of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises operating at TPs in Poland has been proven. In practice, this means that increasing the level of market orientation is conducive to increasing positively assessed financial performance. Originality and value: Our research carried out at MSMEs operating in technology parks in Poland enriches and supplements knowledge about market orientation as a phenomenon of universal character because it also applies to smaller sized business organizations.

People planning a business and start-up companies can use a wide range of support instruments in the first stages of their business development, the task of which is to reduce the risk associated with the implementation of a business idea. The offer available on the market includes both financial and non-financial support. One common support instrument are incubators and incubation programmes that offer assistance in the early stages of business development. Universities are an environment where incubation programmes are increasingly occupying a prominent place. They have sufficient human, organizational and administrative resources to meet the needs of innovative companies and support them with research, consultation and mentoring. The aim of this research is to discuss the typology and role of incubators in supporting business ideas and to characterise the phases of the incubation process and its models. The example of incubation programmes from Polish universities presented in the article illustrates the course of the process and the support package offered to the idea originators at a Polish university.