High quality inputs from the workshop for preparation of the SME Development Strategy of Republika Srpska

The Ministry of Economy and Entrepreneurship of Republika Srpska and Eda organized the first of a series of planned workshops for development of the SME and Entrepreneurship Development Strategy of Republika Srpska for the period 2021-2027.

The workshop was attended by over 50 participants of the RS Government (the Ministry for Scientific and Technological Development, Higher Education and Information Society, the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education and Culture), the University of Banja Luka (the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the Faculty of Technology, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, the Faculty of Forestry, the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy), the RS Chamber of Commerce, the Institute for Adult Education, local self-government units, international organizations, development agencies, non-governmental organizations, directors of companies in the field of metal processing, wood processing, food and textile industry.

At the workshop, findings of a situation analysis regarding SMEs and support for their development was presented using the Systemic Competitiveness Framework, which was followed by discussions on key issues that determine the strategic orientation of SME development as well as policies, instruments and support institutions:

  • support for the development of professional and business skills,
  • support for SME standardization and export,
  • support for innovation and the green economy,
  • support for new entrepreneurship (youth and women).

During the discussions, useful suggestions for improvements in these areas were gathered that will be used in the process of preparation of the SME Development Strategy of Republika Srpska.

The workshop was organized within the project “European Small Business Act as a framework of SME strategies and policies in BiH – SBA in BiH” is funded by Sida through the Embassy of Sweden in B&H.