Abstract:

SMEs play an important role in the economy of any country, contributing significantly to job creation, innovation, and the generation of added value. However, despite recognizing the important contribution of SMEs to the economy, several major barriers to innovation prevent SMEs from developing. This article aims to identify the main barriers noticed by domestic SME entrepreneurs, as well as their perception of the changing trends in this field in recent years. The research is based on a mixed approach, using both primary and secondary data: statistical analysis and international rankings; analysis of the results of questionnaires and interviews with entrepreneurs from the small and medium business sector carried out and implemented during the last eight years with the participation of the authors; critical analysis and generalization of specialized literature, analytical materials; comparison; synthesis. The research results show how the contribution of SMEs remains quite modest, with entrepreneurs facing a set of problems such as domestic corruption.