ECONOMIC CRISIS AND MACRO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

Abstract

Small and medium enterprises comprise an optimal unity with large enterprises. Such approach provides an effective long-term economic structure. In the EU, the number of employees and added value of SMEs grew until 2008, followed by a stagnant trend during the crisis in the EU. As early as 2010, the added value started recovering, while a number of companies and employees stagnated. As for BiH, SMEs revenues dropped in the period from 2008 to 2009, followed by their recovery and growth, while the investments maintained constant decline to the end of the observed period. Macroeconomic indicators do not indicate a radical change of trends from 2008 to 2011. In that period, the EU recorded significant oscillations. Correlation analysis for BiH has shown an interconnection between GDP and industrial production, with SMEs revenues. The ratio of investments and SMEs revenues does not indicate the existence of a correlation. The economic crisis and instability of BiH affect the poor economic situation. BiH underutilizes EU funds for SME development. The EU Programme for SMEs and job creation has failed to demonstrate significant results in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Balkan region. The economic crisis and instability affect the economic situation in BiH. Stimulus of creating new and expansion of existing SMEs is a prerequisite for economic recovery of the country in times of crisis and in the periods of economic prosperity.