Transformations  in
Business & Economics

THE MOTIVATION OF SLOVAK SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTREPRENEURS TOWARDS CLUSTER COOPERATION
Katarina Haviernikova, Marcel Kordos, Valentinas Navickas

ABSTRACT. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) present significant part of economic system of each country and they play an important and crucial role in cluster cooperation. There are 25 active clusters in Slovakia, where more than 40% of clusters' members are small and medium enterprises. Despite this fact, the level of awareness about benefits of cluster cooperation is still low. This paper presents the results of realized questionnaire surveys, which were focused on findings of how small and medium entrepreneurs perceive the benefits of engaging in cluster co-operation. In this context the paper is focused on assessment of selected reasons that motivate small and medium entrepreneurs to cluster cooperation. Generally speaking, SMEs involved in cluster cooperation are able to enhance the regional competitiveness, contribute to networking and collaboration, provide innovation, maintain the driving power of society within the industry, and increase collective performance .

KEYWORDS:  small and medium-sized enterprises, cluster cooperation, regional development, innovation policy.

JEL classification:  F63, O38, R38.