Analysis and evaluation of the performance of micro and small enterprises in selected countries of Central and Eastern Europe from 2017 to 2020

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this paper is analysis of selected parameters for the performance evaluation of the micro and small enterprise (MSE) sector in selected Central and Eastern European countries on the basis of data available in available statistical databases. The selected for analysis countries are the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary. Design/methodology/approach: In the paper we define basic issues of micro and small enterprise and describe their role in the state economy. Then, on the basis of statistical data from years 2017-2020, an analysis of selected parameters for the assessment of MSE is carried out. Among others, such characteristics in each country are analysed as: the number of micro and small enterprises in the period 2017-2020, the structure by size of the enterprise, the structure by the number of people employed, on the basis of the analysis conducted. Findings: The performed analysis is used to evaluate different aspects of the development of the micro and small enterprises sector in the Central and Eastern European countries. The paper also tries to find an answer to the question of how the MSE sector developed in the post-Eastern Bloc countries between 2017 and 2020. Practical implications: In the paper, we highlighted the lack of research on the MSE sector in particular. The conducted analysis will facilitate a better understanding of the problems faced by micro and small enterprises and may contribute to the increased interest in this subject, to a more in-depth analysis and an increase in the number of studies concerning only the MSE sector. Originality/value: The study contributes to the discussion on the micro and small enterprise sector and its impact on the economy. Keywords: micro enterprise, small enterprise, sector of the economy. Category of the paper: research paper.