How to improve regional and local governance of SME and entrepreneurship policy

The aim of this study is to analyse and compare the various governance systems of SME and entrepreneurship policy in Europe. As the first layer of analysis, the roles and competences of regional and local authorities in the governance of SME and entrepreneurship policy are analysed - based on bibliographical research and analytical work. The creation of a multi-level governance system is a constant process and is considered regarding the general governance characteristics as well as in light of the various possible stages of power transfer, i.e. de-concentration (transfer of administrative functions via relocation of executive bodies), delegation (transfer of managerial and regulatory functions to other agencies) and devolution (actual transfer of powers, rights, resources and assets to local governments), see (Rondinelli, 2007). Building on this background, 13 regions and cities that have been awarded the European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) award were analysed, covering their objectives, success factors, obstacles, actors and their degree of ownership, transferability and integration into the European multi-level system. These 13 regions include: Murcia Region (EER 2011), Brandenburg (EER 2011), Helsinki-Uusimaa (EER 2012), Southern Denmark (EER 2013), Styria (EER 2013), North Brabant (EER 2014), Flanders (EER 2014), Lisbon (EER 2015), Northern Ireland (EER 2015), Małopolska (EER 2016), Extremadura (EER 2017), Lower Austria (EER 2017) and Western Greece (EER 2017). Additionally four cases in non-EER regions and cities are investigated (Copenhagen, Lyon, Tel Aviv, Vojvodina). These cases were selected based on their governance models´ specific characteristics and proactive approach promoting SMEs and entrepreneurship.