Methodology for the development of programs to raise competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SME) of metal processing industry at the local level

Abstract

Small and medium enterprises are an important factor of economic development of a local government. Today in Serbia, two thirds of the total employed people are employed in small and medium-sized enterprises. Raising the competitiveness of SMEs and metal processing industry in the coming period is a particular challenge for all actors dealing with economic development (Government, local government, chambers of commerce, NGOs, etc.). In this paper we have analyzed the methodology for the development of programs to raise competitiveness of small and medium enterprises of the metal processing industry of a local government, or more specifically in this paper, the metal processing industry of the city of Kraljevo. The analysis presented in this paper should help all those involved in local economic development, and especially the development of SMEs, which measures should be taken in the future aiming to increase the competitiveness and development of this sector, which means opening new jobs, which is very important.