Sustainable Innovation Implementation in the Baltic Sea Region SMEs: Barriers and Incentives

Abstract

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) play a major role in the economic growth and provide most of new jobs. At the same time SMEs pose serious environmental problems due to their large numbers and their cumulative effect. In this context, extensive application of sustainable innovations in SMEs becomes a priority task.

This paper presents results of the analysis of SMEs innovativeness in the Baltic Sea Region, main barriers and incentives for development and implementation of sustainable innovations.

Results of the Lithuanian and other national research studies in the Baltic Sea Region Countries conducted in the framework of the international project "Sustainable Production through Innovation in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises" (SPIN) (implemented in the framework of the Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013) have been used as a main source of information in writing the paper.