INNOVATION EFFORTS BY SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN THE MALOPOLSKA PROVINCE – RESEARCH FINDINGS

Abstract

The article presents findings of research aimed to analyze and evaluate the level of innovation employed by SMEs which operate in the Małopolska province. The paper also presents the concept and importance of innovation, examples of innovation efforts undertaken by entrepreneurs and outcomes of introducing innovation. The aim of this research was to analyze and evaluate the level of innovation used by enterprises which make up the SME sector and operate across the Małopolska province. The article also presents the concept and importance of innovation, examples of innovation efforts undertaken by entrepreneurs and outcomes of implementing innovation. The research was conducted in 2014 based on a sample of 150 enterprises. Findings collected underwent statistical analysis in line with Kruskal – Wallis rank analysis and gamma coefficient rank correlation.