The problem of state aid for small and medium enterprises (SME) in Poland after its accession to the European Union

Abstract

Small and medium enterprises (SME) play an important role both in Poland and other countries of the European Union. Their contribution both as a percentage of the total number of enterprises, in general employment and in the production of particular products and gross domestic product confirms their importance for economy.The role of SME in Poland would be greater if the indicator of their activity (which is now below 50%) was higher, and the sustainability of SME’s was improved. Moreover, the crucial condition for enlargement of SME’s importance is the improvement of their investment capacity and increasing expenditure on research and development in this sector. About 50% of entrepreneurs fail to make any investments and do not conduct any research that determine national and international competitiveness. There are many reason for this situation, especially financial limitations, which can be supplemented by state aid. However, there are some restrictions on supporting SME’s by government as a result of the Common European Competition Policy. One of its basic rules is prohibition of state aid that deforms and limits competition, which is a base of economic development. In this situation state aid is allowed only on condition that its implementation does not restrict competition. The size and type, conditions and circumstances of state aid and its duration are precisely stipulated by the regulations.