Abstract
Research, development and innovation are the buzzwords of the 21st century, concepts with a pulling power. Research, development and innovation initiatives are implemented in the form of projects. However, projects are considered to be particularly risky due to the unpredictable outcome and results of various innovations. RDI activities are mostly embodied in specific, tangible developments that are essential for the entire economy. The most preferred innovation targets are embodied in processes, product developments, production systems, services, channels and networks. In order for an innovation initiative to be successful, management support is definitely necessary, which can be learned and developed. For all these reasons, it is very important that RDI activities have a background that can safely lead an organization to achieve results. Experience and organizational knowledge are very important in the case of these projects. This kind of knowledge can often only be grasped from the project side, and the key in many cases lies in effective leadership and cooperation. The aim of our study is to examine how Hungarian, Polish and Romanian SMEs relate to innovation and the background of innovation projects. Our aim is to assess the project and innovation awareness and orientation of these organizations in the light of the results of a primary research covering three countries.
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