The importance of small and medium-sized enterprises in the development of the region on the example of the Malopolska province

English. Small and medium-sized enterprise sector is one of the main factors of competitiveness of regions and their economic growth rate. Małopolska region is attractive for investors and entrepreneurs from the SME sector which is mainly related to spatial planning and advancement of urban processes. The local character of small and medium-sized enterprises leads to close relationship between the development of this sector and the local and regional development. A higher level of economic development increases the competitiveness of a local network, which facilitates further economic development. The main aim of the research was to present the role and importance of the SME sector in the development of Małopolska region and its investment attractiveness. The research study was carried out in 2014. It reveals that Małopolska region is favourable to the development of the SME sector, which is reflected, among others, by the fact that it has the competitive advantage as regards the labour resources and costs as well as activities directed at investors.

English. Small and medium-sized enterprises, regional development, entrepreneurship

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246-252

39 : Rural Development and Entrepreneurship