Competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in the German-Polish border area in times of extraordinary threats

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of the article is to develop a concept for the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in the German- Polish border area in times of extraordinary threats.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The verification of the hypothesis and the realisation of the objective was carried out through theoretical and empirical research of small and mediumsized enterprises registered in the Polish- German border area (West Pomeranian Voivodeship and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Brandenburg).

FINDINGS: The economic, social, political and climatic changes brought about by the 21st century bring many opportunities on the one hand, but on the other hand they are associated with certain threats. A significant part of them can be predicted and at least partially prepared for them. To make this possible, a new approach to the competitiveness of enterprises is needed, which is presented in the article.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The article proposes a new model of competitiveness. Using it by SMEs will enable them to remain competitive in times of extraordinary threats. This concept can also be applied to the meso-, macro- and mega-economy, especially since more threats are global in nature.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Studies described in the literature point to similar strategies for maintaining the competitiveness of SMEs in times of extraordinary threats. However, the literature on the subject does not address the topic of strongly interconnected economic and social areas located in different countries. In addition, current publications focus mainly on the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic, without taking into account the ongoing war in Ukraine. This article fills this gap.