Theoretical approach regarding the competitiveness of SMEs

In the current literature usually is considered that small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs) sector contributes significantly to the economic growth of any country (Jutla et al., 2002). Also, they employ a high percentage of available workforce, and it is the sector that generates the greater opportunities for employment (Singh et al., 2010). Considering its significance and impact, discussing their competitiveness is equally important for scholars or entrepreneurs. Competitiveness is a complex concept, long debated by economists worldwide. The causes of this intense interest on competitiveness are, in our opinion, the following: • Intrinsic relationship between competitiveness, sustainable development, standard of living, productivity, economic growth and poverty eradication; • Emergence of competitiveness as a distinct field of economic science, which begins to crystallize and individualize at the conceptual level and produce specific instruments. Unfortunately, competitiveness is not the beneficiary of a cohesive theoretical structure, widely accepted by researchers and experts in the field, in spite of intense debate on the subject. It can be appreciated that currently there is no accepted definition of it, nor the majority of scholars has not yet developed a comprehensive model to formalize its content (Aiginger 2005, Pfaffermayr, 2003). The explanation of these views addressing competitiveness lies in scholar’s point of view. The first point of view is shared by those who understands competitiveness through the creation, sustainability and development of competitive advantage. From this perspective competitiveness is the prerogative of the company. A number of specialists, including Porter and Krugman, tend to be supporters of the first approach. Porter states “the only meaningful concept of competitiveness at the national level is national productivity" and that a country can not be "competitive in all industries". On the other hand, if we consider the possibilities of measurement and dispersion effects, then the other levels can be subject to competitive analysis.