| Abstract [eng] |
The benefits of SMEs to both the state and the region have been highlighted in many studies, which indicate that SMEs are the backbone of the economy, on which the state, its regions and populations depend. Research into the concept and the role of well-being in in the socio-economic environment is still lacking. The geography of SMEs has been studied little in Lithuanian regions and in particular municipalities, but there is a need for it, especially in preparation for strategic development plans, the promotion of SME action plans in relation to the implementation of regional policy guidelines, increasing the economic competitiveness of the country’s regions, and promoting the economy of peripheral regions. Due to the declining population and the geographic conditions caused by sparsely populated areas, major challenges to continuing survival are encountered in the business environment. Some SMEs are able to successfully adapt to the current economic, social and demographic conditions, and to carry out activities which are often based on the use of local resources, the use of innovative technologies in production, and on the demand in national and international markets. Assessing the SME business structure and its territorial differentiation, the Šilutė district is dominated by the retail and wholesale trade, construction, transport and logistics, and other economic activities, most of which are concentrated in Šilutė. So the district can be called a mono-centric economic district. Business enterprises also operate in Kintai, Rusnė, Saugos, Švėkšna and Žemaičių Naumiestis, where there are SME local economic centres, the functioning of which is based on the application of local natural resources, production technologies, and innovations in business models. SME ecosystems are transforming from general functionality (trade, manufacturing and real estate operations) to intellectual capital-intensive activities, applying digital technologies, innovation and creative industries, the development of which is conditioned by business opportunities that are not directly related to natural resources, which is also called possibilism development models. The values of the territorial concentration of business enterprises, especially 1.01 <, according to the activities of enterprises in localities, indicates the economic specialisation of these areas and the differentiation of the business structure. |
