The purpose of the research -  to analyse the current state of competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises and to make recommendations based on the information obtained.

The methodology of the research - during the conduct of the study, content analysis, secondary data analysis, analysis, synthesis, etc. methods were widely used.

The practical importance of the research - the results of the study can be used in the development of strategies for the development of SMEs.

The results of the research - scientific and technical innovation, ways of increasing investment attractiveness and state intervention were mainly mentioned as the directions for increasing competitiveness of SMEs.

The originality and scientific novelty of the research - the directions for increasing competitiveness of SMEs have been comprehensively analyzed and corresponding suggestions have been made.

Keywords: SMEs, entrepreneurship, competition, competitiveness, government support, economic and development prospects.

https://doi.org/10.59610/bbu4.2023.4.7