How Efficiently Does the EU Support Research and Innovation in SMEs?

Abstract

The European Regional Development Fund devoted around 66 billion Euros to the financial support of innovation and productivity in European enterprises over the 2014–2020 programming period. In this framework, we assessed the implementation of the Operational Programmes dedicated to fostering research and innovation, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises. With this aim, we used a network slack-based data envelopment analysis model paired with cluster analysis that encompasses a multitude of performance framework indicators to assess 53 Operational Programmes from 19 countries. Our findings suggest that compared to transition and less developed regions, more developed regions present a higher room for improvement. Also, less developed regions present a better performance when they employ their funding against more developed regions, suggesting that further funding should be channelled for leveraging research and innovation in the former regions. Finally, Operational Programme managers should focus on solving the problems both inherent to the poor outcomes in terms of enhancing the number of researchers working in improved research infrastructures and promoting the technology transfer between research institutions and enterprises.

Lean and Green Product Development in SMEs: A Comparative Study between Small- and Medium-Sized Brazilian and Japanese Enterprises

“…In the context of SMEs, Henriques et al [19] highlight the need to tackle the problem of a lack of skills, a factor that has been often identified as one of the major hurdles to innovation. Managers should also reinforce the support of partnerships between SMEs and R&I institutions, particularly in less developed regions.…”

The Efficiency of National Innovation Policy Programs: The Case of Serbia

“…Research reveals that most member states appear to use similar combinations of innovation policy instruments, regardless of their innovative position and the difficulties they encounter (competitive public research funding, collaborative RDI programs, direct business support for R&D, direct support for innovation, loans for firms, and tax incentives) [33]. Evaluations of innovation policy instruments are often focused on implementation concerns and evaluate target achievement, with the focus being on how well projects and activities align with the programs' goals and how effectively and efficiently they are carried out [34]. Typically, evaluation systems quantify innovation in terms of inputs (e.g., "promising practices" or new technologies) and then estimate the likely value added associated with such interventions in terms of firm-level (such as patents or interfirm collaborations) and regional measures (such as jobs created and safeguarded) [35][36][37][38].…”

How Efficient Is the Implementation of Structural Funds Committed to Enhancing ICT Adoption in SMEs?

“…In addition, [63] considered the output-oriented version of the slack-based model (SBM) combined with cluster analysis for assessing 102 OPs from 22 EU countries committed to fostering a low-carbon economy in SMEs. Finally, [64] employed the non-oriented version of the network SBM model coupled with cluster analysis to appraise 53 OPs from 19 countries dedicated to promoting research and innovation in SMEs.…”

“…An efficient policy implementation implies an efficient financial execution of OPs, with a particular focus on the pace of execution of the OPs ( [62][63][64]73]). In this context, costs must be certified by an approved authority, which is the entity in charge of certifying that the co-funded equipment/services were supplied, that the corresponding payments were made, and that the payments conformed with the EU and national rules.…”