Innovation Networks in Small and Medium Enterprises Sector

With the development of innovation processes it is evident the growing role of innovation activities also in small and medium enterprises. Many examples confirm, that small and medium enterprises (SME) create a large space for innovation, because they have more flexibility and less organizational restrictions in comparison to large-scale enterprises. In spite of these advantages SME have also some handicaps; many of them don´t own research capacities (tangible, as well as have lack of special personal capabilities) and face many financial problems. To overcome this barrier could help networking. The aim of the article is to present the role of innovation´s network formation in SME´s sector. Special attention is given to various types of innovation networks in SME´s sector and to the benefits they can deliver. The paper was elaborated as a part of VEGA project 1/0654/11 „Innovative small and medium enterprises as a part of knowledge-based economy in the SR“.