scholarly journals E-commerce as a Consequence of Innovation and the Cause of New Innovations for SMEs: the Perspectives of Latvia and Lithuania

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 7-20
Author(s):  
Baiba Rivza ◽  
Maiga Kruzmetra ◽  
Peteris Rivža ◽  
Astrida Miceikiene ◽  
Alvydas Balezentis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Statistical Data ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Positive Contribution ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Central Statistical ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Subjective View

The emergence of new technologies and the expansion of digitalisation have created an opportunity for e-commerce to develop. A supplier and a buyer of goods and services meet in the e-environment and solve their problem without direct contact, which is mutually beneficial. Accordingly, when it comes to globalisation, e-commerce, as a system, becomes an important topic of research in general, and, in particular, it is vital for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), since most enterprises in the European Union (EU) are SMEs. Latvia and Lithuania are EU Member States, and SMEs are dominant in these two Baltic States. The aim of the research is to identify and compare the opinions of producers/sellers and buyers on the positive contribution of e-commerce to date and the problems caused by e-commerce for both sides. The research employed data from Eurostat, OECD and the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia as well as the authors’ own data from a survey (e-commerce users: suppliers (n=112) and buyers (n=138) of goods and services) conducted in Latvia and Lithuania. An analysis of the statistical data reveals the current objective position of e-commerce in both countries. The proportion of small and medium enterprises involved in this process is increasing. At the same time, the processing of the results of the e-commerce survey enables the authors to see a subjective view of this process, which includes both positive and negative features of both the buyers and the sellers. Identifying problems and comparing the situations in the two neighbouring countries opens the way to find e-commerce development directions and reduce the problems not only economically but also geographically and ethnically, as the objective data on e-commerce are not identical for Latvia and Lithuania, even though the data are positive and only slightly different.

scholarly journals The impact of state support on the development of non-resource exports in the Russian Federation

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 169-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyudmila M. Simonova ◽  
Anastasiia O. Dorokhova
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Central Element ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Business Organizations ◽  
Foreign Markets ◽  
Role Of Government ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

This article aims to study the role of government instruments supporting export-oriented enterprises, which specialize in the production of non-resource and non-energy goods and services. In view of the increasing importance and potential of small and medium-sized enterprises, the authors, using economic analysis of the data of the Russian Federal Customs Service and the statistics of the Russian Export Center, have confirmed the need of such enterprises being the central element of the national system of support and development of exports. The results prove that the majority of export-oriented small and medium enterprises show interest in starting export activities, increasing its share, and seeking to expand the geography of their supplies. However, a number of factors prevent the foreign economic strategy, including lack of confidence and employees with export competencies, financial limitations, as well as complete inexperience when interacting with foreign counterparts and markets in general. The authors have determined that the insufficient level of competitiveness on part of the Russian producers requires a full-fledged support of the state authorities to stimulate non-resource and non-energy export. The statistical analysis of the recent years shows that the indicator of Russian competitiveness on foreign markets has not undergone serious changes due to the low competitiveness of the Russian exported goods, as well as insufficient knowledge and skills of export-oriented enterprises in terms of strengthening their position on new markets. The world experience shows that each nation puts their own priorities on the choice of export development direction. Based on a comparative analysis and classification of support measures in the European Union, the authors have identified the possibility of approximating the existing mechanisms for supporting small and medium export-oriented enterprises in the Russia. The results have revealed a linear relationship between the launch of programs to support export-oriented enterprises and the growth of foreign economic activity in general, as well as the relationship between such activities as the interaction with relevant ministries and agencies, the cooperation with key industry and business organizations, and the improvement of export conditions in Russia.

scholarly journals The macroeconomic aspects of sport in Europe: a cross-country comparison

2020 ◽  
Vol 82 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-211
Author(s):  
Mariola Mamcarczyk ◽  
Magdalena Szyszko
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Data ◽  
Value Added ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Member States ◽  
Household Spending ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Economic Significance ◽  
Data Collections

In this paper we aim to investigate the importance of the sports sector of the economy for macrolevel performance in the European Union Member States. The problem that we address is worthy of research focus as sport is a dynamically  expanding and important sector of the economy. The increasing importance of sport in national economies cannot be fully analysed due to the lack of sufficient statistical data. In this paper, we provide a comparison of the Eurostat sports collections results and Sport Satellite Account-based examination of the contribution of sport to the GDP and value added. The analysis of statistical data is preceded by a description of the sports sector measurement. We establish that the contribution of sport is more remarkable for developed economies, however it has also been increasing over time in other EU Member States. This can be observed for employment, changes in enterprises’ statistics, and international trade. Household spending on sports goods and services also increases even if the Great Recession led to a downturn in sport consumption in some countries. The frequency and coherence of sports data collections related to its economic significance is not satisfactory. The issue needs to be given a higher priority by public authorities.

scholarly journals How do Clusters Foster Sustainable Development? An Analysis of EU Policies

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niki Derlukiewicz ◽  
Anna Mempel-Śnieżyk ◽  
Dominika Mankowska ◽  
Arkadiusz Dyjakon ◽  
Stanisław Minta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Value Systems ◽  
Learning Technology ◽  
The European Union ◽  
European Union Policy ◽  
Emerging Industries ◽  
New Business ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Sustainable development is one of the fundamental and most important objectives of the worldwide policy. The conducted research shows that sustainable development (SD) is increasingly important in the consciousness of the EU countries, which can be viewed through a prism of the undertaken projects. This paper raises the issue of clusters and their significance in the development of a sustainable economy. The article explores trends in the European Union policy related to sustainable development and clusters. The purpose of this study is to find an answer to the following questions: How can clusters contribute to sustainable development and what are the key factors that ensure this process? To achieve the goal of the article a systematic study of the literature and reports was carried out. Moreover, the analysis of the activity of European clusters in the context of sustainable development was performed. Next, the examples of cluster projects focused on sustainable development were presented. It was shown that the clusters contribute a smarter and sustainable development by succeeding in technological and scientific results, developing new technologies for emerging industries, creating new business activities, enticing major technology companies, and connecting local firms into world-class value systems. Furthermore, the clusters participate actively in sustainable development as they promote knowledge creation, joint learning, technology transfer, as well as collaboration, and sustainable innovations. Finally, clusters facilitate the sustainable upgrading of small and medium enterprises and encourage the participation of stakeholders in the process of sustainable development.

scholarly journals New tools and opportunities in growth and climate friendly greening for small and medium enterprises in the European Union

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 25-31
Author(s):  
Xénia Szanyi-Gyenes ◽  
György Mudri ◽  
Mária Bakosné Böröcz
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Sustainable Growth ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Access To Finance ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Eu

The role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is unquestionable in the European economies, while financial opportunities are still inadequate for them. The more than 20 million SMEs play a significant role in European economic growth, innovation and job creation. According to the latest EC Annual Report , SMEs are accounting for 99% of all non-financial enterprises, employing 88.8 million people and generating almost EUR 3.7 tn in added value for our economy. Despite the fact that there is plenty of EU funding available for these SMEs, for certain reasons these funds hardly reach them. But we have to see that the EU supports SMEs by various way, e.g. by grants, regulatory changes, financial instrument, direct funds. On the other hand, SMEs and decision makers realised that the environmental sustainability has to be attached to the economic growth, therefore more and more tools are available for these enterprises. Over the last few years, public institutions, the market, the financial community and non-governmental associations have explicitly demanded that firms improve their environmental performance. One of the greatest opportunities might lay in the Climate- and Energy Strategy till 2030 as 20% of the EU budget is allocated to climate-related actions, however the easy access to finance is still a key question. Does the EU recognise the actual difficulties? Is there a systemic reason behind the absorption problems? Is the EU creating a more businessfriendly environment for SMEs, facilitating access to finance, stimulates the green and sustainable growth and improving access to new markets? The paper analyses the current European situation of the SMEs and the effectiveness of some new tools, which are specially targeting SMEs. JEL classification: Q18

scholarly journals The Phenomenon of Digital Labour Platforms

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 217-229
Author(s):  
Andrzej Marian Świątkowski
Keyword(s):  
Trade Unions ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Legal Regulation ◽  
Fundamental Rights ◽  
Equal Treatment ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Right ◽  
Almost All

In all EU Member States the status of people employed on job platforms is not fully legally regulated. It is necessary to consider the sources of the contemporary phenomenon of electronic employment, which is not amenable to legal regulation in the Union constituting an “area of freedom, security and justice with respect for fundamental rights” (Art. 67 (1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union). The right to work in decent conditions, with adequate remuneration, belongs to this category of rights. In the discussion on employment platforms state authorities are more inclined to consider issues related to new technologies, processes and changes caused by the development and application of modern digital technologies (digitization) in almost all areas. The headquarters of trade unions mainly discuss the legal position of employees and the role of employment platforms in employment relations in the post-industrial era. Entrepreneurs and their organizations, including private institutions and employment platforms, are interested in equal treatment by national legislators in local labour markets. They are afraid of the breach of the balance favorable to their own economic interests, caused by the public interest in the possibility of using employment in atypical forms of employment. Services consisting in employment provided under employment platforms are incomparably cheaper than identical work performed by employees employed under employment contracts.

MSMEs Gain Momentum: An Insight into the Fund Allocation in the Budget over the years

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-22
Author(s):  
Dr. Pritha Chaturvedi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Major Part ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Fund Allocation ◽  
The Government ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Insight Into

The Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSMEs) are the largest employers in the country after agriculture. The labor intensive sector employs approximately 114 million persons and contributes nearly 30 per cent to India’s GDP. MSME is considered as the boon for the fresh talents in India promoting economic solidity in terms of growth and export. Approximately 50 per cent of our exports come from goods and services produced and sold by the sector. Not only that the MSMEs and its contributions are directly or indirectly benefitting many other prime sectors of the country. The government acknowledging the importance of the sector grants a major part of its outlay on the same. The article is an attempt to present the analysis of the improvisation in the fund allocation for the sector in the last three budgets till the current one passed on 17th of March 2021.

MIGRATIONS - JOURNEYS OF THE BROKERS - IN THE CONTEXT OF CONTEMPORARY AND FUTURE THREATS TO THE SECURITY OF 21ST CENTURY EUROPE

2021 ◽  
Vol XV - Wydanie specjalne ◽  
pp. 223-238
Author(s):  
Anna Piotrowska ◽  
Marian Kopczewski ◽  
Julia Nowicka ◽  
Zbigniew Ciekanowski
Keyword(s):  
21St Century ◽  
Security Policy ◽  
Third World ◽  
Statistical Data ◽  
Illegal Immigration ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Migration Crisis ◽  
The Eu

Contemporary and future threats to Europe in the 21st century constitute an important element of the European Union's security policy. Ongoing wars, terrorism, religious fanaticism and extreme poverty in third world countries led to a drastic wave of refugees that flooded Europe. The article presents the problem of threats related to the increasing migration, as well as the activities of the European Union aimed at preventing the migration crisis. The issue of Syrian refugees fleeing in desperation to Europe, a Europe that does not necessarily welcome them with open arms, was raised. The aim of the presented study is to analyze the situation of contemporary Europe in the context of threats related to the phenomenon of migration. Statistical data published by the most important institutions of the EU Member States, including data related to crimes committed by citizens who are not indigenous people of Europe, were thoroughly analyzed. Eurostat research, data disseminated by the Federal Criminal Police Office in Germany or statistics published by the Italian Istat were used. The conclusions from the above research allowed to verify the hypothesis that the migration crisis is a factor in the multifaceted destabilization of contemporary Europe, and the phenomenon of migration should be considered in this context. Due to the limited volume of the article, the author of the publication presented the most important legal bases regulating legal and illegal immigration, which will facilitate the understanding of the European Union's operation on the issue of interest to us.

Climate Governance for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises

2020 ◽  
pp. 295-308
Author(s):  
Janis Sarra
Keyword(s):  
Small Businesses ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Climate Governance ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Chapter 9 explores why management of climate-related risks can be particularly challenging for micro, small, and medium enterprises (‘MSME’) to address. MSME comprise about 99 per cent of all businesses globally and they often lack the infrastructure and resources to manage deep shifts in their business activities. This chapter explores how one could build financing and infrastructure to support the MSME sector to advance in their transition to net zero. It discusses how the European Union has taken the lead globally on microfinance for vulnerable groups that want to set up or develop their businesses and microenterprises. It is building the institutional capacity of microcredit providers and supporting development of social enterprises by facilitating access to finance. It also examines climate governance for MSME, offering examples of toolkits being developed for micro and small businesses. The chapter concludes with a discussion of contributions that women entrepreneurs and micro-business owners are making in the transition to net zero.

scholarly journals Factors behind trade credit financing of SMEs in Croatia

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-76
Author(s):  
Sandra Pepur ◽  
Dujam Kovač ◽  
Marijana Ćurak
Keyword(s):  
Trade Credit ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Knowledge Generation ◽  
External Financing ◽  
The European Union ◽  
East European ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Credit Financing ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) contribute to the national economy in terms of employment, added value, knowledge generation, and innovation. However, their potential and in the case of economic downturns even their survival is affected by the difficulties in their access to external financing under acceptable terms and adequate timing and amount. In the case of asymmetric information problems, which make SMEs more sensitive to financial market imperfections, trade credit can be a valuable source of financing. In the European Union, trade credit is among the most relevant external funding sources and it is among the most important alternatives to financial intermediaries’ financing. However, there are substantial differences between the countries with respect to availability and use of trade credit. Therefore, this research examines determining (company-specific and country-specific) factors behind the use of trade credit as a financing source in Croatia. The empirical analysis is based on the data for 1,225 SMEs operating in Croatia in the period from 2008 to 2017 and is done using the panel data methodology. The findings confirm that firms’ characteristics, as well as the characteristics of financial, macroeconomic and legal environment in which the firms operate, influence the use of trade credit in SMEs in Croatia. The paper contributes to relatively scarce empirical evidence on the determinants of trade credit use by SMEs in South-East European countries.

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