IMPROVING ACCESS OF SMES TO THE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT MARKETS

This paper focuses on the issue of participation of Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in public procurement in Romania, taking into account that this market it is a key factor for stimulating economic growth, contribute to economic recovery, job creation and innovation. SMEs in Romania receive only 27% of public procurement. This percentage is lower in relation to both EU average of 38 %, and with their own contribution to the economy (45% of gross value added). This paper provides overviews of the main barriers to entry for SMEs into the public procurement markets, as well as a series of measures designed to support their access to a greater proportion. Facilitating the access of small and medium-sized enterprises in public procurement markets can help them to exploit the huge potential of creating jobs, growth and innovation, while allowing contracting authorities to widen the supplier base, which has positive effect of increased competition for public contracts.