Abstract:

The present paper comprises two parts: cognitive and empirical ones. In the first part the authors have synthetically defined eco-innovations, introduced their division and scope. They have also made an attempt to justify that “the strength and size of the SME sector fosters diffusion of eco-innovations”. In the empirical part, based on the secondary research conducted for the European Commission (Flash Eurobarometer 456), the authors have determined the percentage involvement of SMEs in green activity for the BSR countries – partners in the project “Network of Service Providers for Eco-innovations in Manufacturing SMEs (Ecolabnet)”. Based on secondary research the authors have indicated and justified the existing differences of green activity” of SMEs in the selected European countries. They have also attempted to justify the research assumption that a higher percentage of SMEs perceive and identify various barriers of “green activity” in the countries characterised by a higher percentage of this activeness. Also, based on own research of the project Partners (including the authors of the present paper) three groups of needs in the scope of eco-innovations have been summarised and evaluated (business, development, technological ones). It has also been indicated that the needs of SMEs regarding eco-innovations depend on their expert knowledge and strategic involvement.