SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN THE CONTEXT OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE ECONOMY

The Polish corporate sector is clearly dominated by small and medium-sized economic entities. Their role in the economy is extremely important, not only because of the number of entities in the SME sector, but also because of their contribution to the GDP and the ability to generate jobs. Through the growth of GDP, small and medium-sized enterprises contribute to the growth of social welfare, which is one of the most important economic and social policy objectives. There is no doubt that small and medium-sized enterprises are often a source of innovation and entrepreneurship in business and economy. In the framework of this study, the most important issues concerning the development of the SME sector in Poland are presented, as well as their role in shaping the situation of the Polish economy. The perspectives of development of this sector are also signalized here. This study is an attempt to show the role of SME sector in the economy and necessity of innovations and entrepreneurship in business in the era of global competition. Reflections contained in the paper do not have definite characteristics and should be treated as an opinion in the discussion in fields of management sciences.