Spatial distribution of competitiveness support in the Slovakia in relation to growth poles and small and medium enterprises

Abstract

The paper discusses the spatial dispersion of competitiveness support to the Slovak entrepreneurs via Operational Programme Competitiveness and Economic Growth in programming period 2007 – 2013 with relation to allocation granted to growth pole municipalities and small and medium enterprises. The analysis of implemented projects in reference period 2007 – April 2013 shows marked support for small and medium enterprises in terms of total allocation of European Union support. Spatially the programme is consistent with the intent to direct the European Union support to the growth poles rather than other municipalities with notable differences in thematic focus of the projects in innovation and cohesion growth poles despite no explicit preference of growth poles in programme manual or calls for proposals.