R&D programmes as a support tool for innovation activities of SMEs in the Czech Republic

The article presents results of a survey focused on participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Czech funding programmes aimed on research and development (R&D) activities. There are some disadvantages of the programmes, such as their definition based on the top-down approach. This fact may cause a disparity between real needs of enterprises and the outputs a funding authority wants enterprises to deliver in order to enhance their innovativeness and competitiveness. Although the level of fitness to the needs of SMEs is crucial for evaluation of R&D programmes, few research has been pursued in this field. The article aims to fill the research gap by surveying motivation and benefits SMEs find in participation in R&D programmes. It identifies 3 strongest, as well as weakest motivators. The article also discovers that despite its raising popularity, the open innovation concepts do not provide sufficient motivation and benefits for application for R&D funding.