Role of small and medium-sized enterprises in economies of Poland and Slovakia - comparative analysis

The SME sector is one of the factors that contribute to economic growth in every country on the national and regional level, and it holds true to Poland and Slovakia. Although this sector grew most rapidly during the beginning transition period, it still retains its significant role in the economic growth in both countries - Poland and Slovakia. The aim of paper is to present the role and importance of small and medium-sized enterprises in two selected countries, that is Poland and Slovakia. The main focus of the article is to put on the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in Polish and Slovak economies. The authors use and examine available statistical data concerning SMEs in Poland and Slovakia. The aim of the paper is to investigate the impact of small and medium-sized enterprises on the Polish and Slovak economies. The paper analyses the state of the sector of small and medium-sized enterprises in both countries, seeking to understand the causes of its relative strength and weakness. In particular, the authors examine the question of whether the development of SMEs along the current lines would positively contribution to the sustainable development of the Polish and Slovak economies.