Regional policy for smart growth of SMEs : guide for managing authorities and bodies in charge of the development and implementation of research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation

The purpose of this guide is to extract policy lessons from the past decades of Structural Fund, national and regional support for SMEs into a comprehensive guide with the aim to help ERDF managing authorities and regional penholders of any RIS design a policy mix that supports enterprises in maximising the objectives and opportunities of a RIS. This guide draws not only on SME specific policy experiences, but spans across a wide range of policies, including research, innovation, cluster, state aid, internal market, education and training (the issue of financial instruments will be covered in more detail in separate guidance). This guide highlights, in particular, that SME competitiveness in Europe relies heavily on innovation and thus the successful implementation of a National/Regional Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS) and the quality of its design and delivery mechanisms for financial and non-financial support services. In line with the 2014-2020 ERDF thematic priorities, these support services should enhance R&D+I activities or strengthen enterprise competitiveness. This guide provides thoughts, tips and ideas on how to achieve this.