Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.38190/ope.11.1.3
Risks and mistakes of small and medium-sized enterprises in implementation of EU projects
Anamarija Delić
; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Economics in Osijek
Ida Dumančić
orcid.org/0000-0002-1147-9104
; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Economics in Osijek
Abstract
Each project is exposed to various types of risks during its implementation, which affect the success of implementation itself, as well as the probability of achieving the planned goals within the given timeframe. Careful risk analysis and creation of teams with sufficient knowledge and experience to properly execute project activities are essential for successful project implementation. European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI) offer the possibility to finance project activities in the small and medium-sized enterprise sector. The aim of this paper is to identify the most common risks and mistakes related to the implementation of projects in small and medium-sized enterprises, and to provide suggestions for their minimisation. In order to gain insight into most common mistakes made by the owners of small and medium-sized enterprises in the project implementation process, a survey was conducted on 52 respondents (project managers, employees of the Central Finance and Contracting Agency, and employees of line ministries). The survey identified the biggest and most common mistakes, as well as the risks that owners of small and medium-sized enterprises face. Respondents from the small and medium-sized enterprise sector also outlined the greatest challenges they face in preparing, contracting and implementing European Union’s projects (EU projects). The results of the survey indicate the need for strengthening the project applicants’ capacity, as well as the need for closer cooperation between the applicants and supervisory bodies.
Keywords
EU projects; small and medium-sized enterprises; ESI funds
Hrčak ID:
258780
URI
Publication date:
11.6.2021.
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