The department for entrepreneurship and competitiveness of SMEs defines support to SMEs in several documents which set the framework for the development of the SMEs sector:
• The National Strategy for development of small and medium enterprises 2002 – 2013;
• Programme for Improvement of Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness of the Small and Medium Enterprises3;
• National reports for the Small Business Act (previously - European Charter for Small Enterprises).

Aiming at the support of entrepreneurship, competitiveness and innovation of SMEs, the main tasks of this department include the preparation and implementation of corresponding strategic policy documents, annual work plans, programmes and projects; the collaboration with authorities, regional development agencies and EU bodies; and the cooperation with foreign donors, domestic and international information networks. Apart from the policy drafting role, this department also participates in the implementation of the annual programmes for support of entrepreneurship, competitiveness and innovation of SMEs.
During 2010, the Ministry of Economy, through its department for Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness of SMEs, implemented the European Innovation Scoreboard, a pioneer research in the area of innovation in FYR of Macedonia. The department was also in charge for the introduction of a craft strategy. There is a yearly program (open call competition) that financially supports business start-up centres and business incubators. The department is also involved in the preparation of innovation policy (2012-2020) in cooperation with OECD.

Contact persons:
Imerali Baftijari, Head of Department
E-mail: imerali.baftijari@economy.gov.mk

Susanna Arsova-Kostadinova, Assistant Head of Department
E-mail: suzana.a.kostadinova@economy.gov.mk

Further contact details are provided below.