ROLA BEZZWROTNYCH INSTRUMENTÓW WSPARCIA W KSZTAŁTOWANIU ZDOLNOŚCI INNOWACYJNYCH SEKTORA MŚP: STUDIUM PRZYPADKU PROJEKTU "GRANTY NA BADANIA"
THE ROLE OF NON-REPAYABLE SUPPORT INSTRUMENTS IN SHAPING THE INNOVATION CAPACITY OF THE SME SECTOR: A CASE STUDY OF THE "GRANTS FOR RESEARCH" PROGRAMME

Summary/Abstract: The article aims to provide a critical analysis of the impact of non-repayable support instruments on the development of innovative capacity in small and medium-sized enterprises in a peripheral region. The significance of which is examined not only in terms of direct outcomes for beneficiaries but also in the broader context of shaping the regional innovation ecosystem. The paper seeks to capture how public subsidies compensate for market failures, stimulate both incremental and breakthrough innovations, and support adjustment processes aligned with the European policy priorities, including smart specialisations and the European Green Deal. The study applies quantitative and qualitative analysis of project documentation, including the structure of beneficiaries, types of innovations, scale of funding, as well as barriers and the expected results identified by applicants and evaluators. The research confirms that the programme functions as a catalyst of innovation processes in a peripheral region, enabling SMEs to undertake capital- and risk-intensive stages of R&D. The predominance of incremental product innovations is consistent with theoretical assumptions regarding SME innovativeness, while the growing presence of eco-innovations, digitalisation projects, and intellectual property protection indicates the gradual maturation of innovative capabilities. The programme's design, strongly linked to regional smart specialisations, ensured coherence with regional innovation policy and broader European transformation trends.

• Details
• Contents