Trends in the development of small and medium-sized enterprises: case of Moldova

Abstract

The effective activity of small and medium-sized businesses is one of the conditions for ensuring a high level of competitiveness in the national economy and creating new jobs, which, as a result, increases the level of employment in the country. Small and medium-sized businesses quickly respond to changes in market conditions and external factors, such as economic, financial, and geopolitical crises, protectionist policies, and tax policies of trading partners. In this scientific work, our primary objective is to delve into the trends and prospects for developing small and medium-sized businesses in Moldova, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current situation and future possibilities. The methodological basis of the study was made up of general scientific methods: analysis and synthesis, comparison and generalization, statistical analysis, and correlation and regression analysis. The energy crisis in the fall of 2021 has significantly impacted the entrepreneurial sector, particularly in the central region, namely in the district of Ialoveni, near Chisinau. This study's focus on the impact of energy resource prices on the evolution of SMEs is of significant importance in Moldova's current economic landscape.