Tools for implementing smart specialization strategies in the European Union member states

Abstract

The main tools for the formation and implementation of Innovation Policy and Cohesion Policy, which are used to achieve the priorities set in smart specialization strategies at the national and regional levels, are studied. The peculiarities of their use in the context of individual regions of the EU are analyzed, taking into account the trends and development needs of each individual region or country; depending on the selected areas of smart specialization; depending on the type of region according to the OECD classification by economic profile, etc. The most common tools for implementing smart specialization priorities are identified: supporting the functioning of clusters, improving business start-up procedures, public procurement, financial assistance, cooperation with other regions, creating various platforms to stimulate cooperation between enterprises, scientists and authorities, improving the training processes, etc. Two types of cluster policy are analyzed: funding support activities, such as cluster mapping and supporting cluster development, without identifying priority areas (such as the Czech Republic); support for certain areas of activity. Two types of public procurement are outlined: those that promote innovation, i.e. the purchase of direct results of innovation activities, and innovative, i.e. the purchase of an innovation process, the results of which are not yet presented on the market. Forms of providing financial assistance to economic entities in the development of innovations that use certain regions of the EU in their smart specialization strategies are given, including lending, subsidies, access to project funding programs, etc. The tools of regional innovative development in the context of traditional, new and experimental tools and their contribution to the generation, dissemination and use of knowledge are systematized. The active and passive tools for supporting the development of innovations in the field of small and medium business and the peculiarities of their use at the global, regional and micro levels are presented.