ON THE STATE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES IN RUSSIA

Abstract

Particular attention is paid to the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, since it is this sector that is the driving force behind economic growth in the country, which is confirmed by a number of studies. The numerical superiority of small and medium-sized companies over large ones is obvious. Consequently, SMEs provide a significant share of the population with income and jobs. The quantitative growth of the sector contributes to the creation of new jobs, an increase in competition and labor productivity, an improvement in product quality, the development of innovations and an increase in the welfare of the population, that is, qualitatively favorable changes in the market and in the country's economy. Analysis of the state of the Russian SME sector, determination of its effectiveness and comparison with international practice is of great importance for drawing up a picture of differences, forming advantages and disadvantages, searching for options for its improvement. The relevance of the article lies in the fact that the development of the small and medium-sized business sector is one of the priority areas of state policy in Russia, therefore, stabilization of the situation and an early exit from the crisis period are very important for the Russian economy. The article discusses measures of state support for business that have been implemented in Russia since the beginning of the pandemic.