PROMOTION OF SMES ESTABLISHMENT AS PART OF THE INDUSTRIAL PARKS TRANSFORMATION

Abstract

This study examines the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in transforming industrial parks into eco-industrial parks and focuses on strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises’ engagement. The relevance of the topic stems from the growing need to implement sustainable development principles, which are increasingly demanded by companies with international investments. These principles require industrial sites to balance economic and environmental indicators through the creation of eco-friendly industrial systems. SMEs are crucial to this process due to their flexibility, capacity for innovation, and efficient resource use. However, their integration into industrial parks faces significant barriers, such as limited financial resources, technical expertise, and infrastructure, making this issue critical for investigation. The study employs inductive analysis of scientific literature, case studies, and reports on eco-industrial parks development and small and medium-sized enterprises’ support. Findings indicate that small and medium-sized enterprises significantly enhance the economic vitality of industrial parks by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and expanding production capacity. However, in countries like Ukraine, the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises is hindered by financial, regulatory, and technical challenges. The article proposes a methodology for developing strategies to attract small and medium-sized enterprises to industrial parks, which will enhance their alignment with eco-industrial standards and promote sustainable regional development.