INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN THE USE OF INSTRUMENTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES

Abstract

Introduction. The article provides a systematic analysis of international experience in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), focusing on effective instruments that can be adapted to current conditions in Ukraine. Considering the key role of SMEs in forming a flexible, innovative, and resilient economy, especially during periods of crises and transformations, the study covers financial, educational, institutional, and digital support mechanisms applied in the European Union, the United States, South Korea, Singapore, and China.

Objective. The purpose of the study is to identify effective international SME support instruments and substantiate the possibilities of their adaptation to Ukraine’s economic conditions, particularly under martial law and during post-war recovery.

Materials and Methods. A thorough database of materials was used for the study, which includes strategic documents at the state level, reports of international financial institutions and analytics of leading world agencies.

The study employs methods of system analysis, comparison of international experience, generalization, and logical interpretation to assess the effectiveness of SME support instruments and the possibilities for their implementation in Ukraine.

Results. The analysis of international experience has shown that the most effective models of support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are based on a comprehensive combination of financial instruments with educational programs, mentoring, infrastructure, and digital support. In developed countries, SME support policy is characterized by systemic and long-term approaches, the development of public-private partnerships, adaptation of instruments to different groups of entrepreneurs, and transparent evaluation of outcomes. It has been established that integrated approaches implemented in the United States, Germany, Singapore, and South Korea ensure SME resilience under technological change, global competition, and crisis conditions. The feasibility of applying this experience in Ukraine, taking into account wartime challenges and post-war economic recovery needs, has been substantiated.

In the short term, priority support instruments may include microfinancing, digital services, business relocation, and support for entrepreneurship among internally displaced persons and veterans. In the medium and long term, key importance is attached to integrating SMEs into reconstruction processes, stimulating innovation and clustering, developing export potential, and reforming public financing and guarantee systems. It is demonstrated that adapting international practices can contribute to economic recovery, strengthening the entrepreneurial environment, and increasing the resilience of the domestic market.

Prospects. Further research should focus on developing a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of comprehensive SME support instruments under wartime economic conditions and post-war recovery, as well as on forming mechanisms for their adaptation to regional specificities of Ukraine. A promising direction is the creation of a monitoring system for the performance of support programs, the determination of indicators of their socio-economic impact, and the substantiation of models for integrating SMEs into the country’s reconstruction processes, innovation development, and international economic cooperation.