Analysis of Innovation Activities of SMEs Participating in State Financial Support Programs

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop and test an Integrated Innovation Activity Indicator (IIAI) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), designed to assess their contribution to ensuring the technological sovereignty in the Russian Federation, taking into account participation in state innovation support programs. The paper justifies the need to move away from fragmented assessments of innovative development towards comprehensive models that take into account the combined influence of factors determining the ability of businesses to create and implement critical technologies. The methodological framework of the study is based on the approaches of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The proposed IIAI is a composite index that integrates four key factors: the extent of SME participation in government support programs, the level of financial provision for projects, the focus on priority technological sectors, and human capital. The practical significance of the study lies in its potential to use the IIAI by government authorities, development institutions, and the expert community to improve innovation support instruments and enhance the contribution of SMEs to achieving technological sovereignty and sustainable economic growth.