METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES

Abstract

Small and medium-sized businesses are the driving force of thenational economy, regional development, and the well-being of community residents. Owing to the development of entrepreneurship, new jobs are created, competitiveness and the innovative potential of the national economy grow.The study is based on the concept of a service model of interactionbetween government and business according to which the main function of local governments is to provide the community residents with affordable and quality public services.The research was conducted with the help of questionnaires given forrespondents who operate their business activities in Rivne. Thequestionnaire contained closed, alternative, and open-ended questions. The survey was carried out anonymously, and the respondents were asked to leave their contact details to confirm the participation in the survey. Paper and electronic questionnaires were used for the survey.The signing of the Association Agreement with the European Union byUkraine is perhaps the determining factor that has determined and willcontinue to determine the dynamics of economic processes in the country in recent years. The deep and comprehensive free trade area between Ukraine and the European Union, which is an integral part of the Association Agreement, affects most of the processes taking place in the economy of our country. This impact will increase with the further implementation of the EU directives, and, therefore, many entrepreneurs are wary of such changes. The priority forms and tools for the support and development of smalland medium business in Rivne can be the organization of training events for entrepreneurs aimed at developing high value-added business, and, first of all, stimulating innovative export-oriented business which in the context of European integration processes should become one of main priorities of business development for the next years; promoting (the various forms of information support, advice and financial incentives) the integration of small and medium-sized businesses into the value chains of the European Union; conducting training and advisory activities aimed at developing skills and preparing documents for project competitions submitted for interest compensation for loans from commercial banks; the development of business infrastructure by supporting the activities of business schools, coworking centers and consulting agencies, which will contribute to the realization of the potential of innovation and creative industries; carrying out activities aimed at assisting entrepreneurs in assessing the export potential of the business and studying the features of technical regulation (certification procedures and product requirements), intensification of marketing efforts to form a positive image of local authorities; introduction of an effective system of improving the quality of administrative services and receiving feedback from the users.