Innovation policies to accelerate SME development

This paper is concerned with the innovation policies to support SME development in China. The Chinese government has introduced many policy initiatives (government intervention policies) after the country joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) to support entrepreneurial activities. The empirical study has shown that despite the introduction of the 12th Five-Year National Economic and Social Development Plan to support SMEs development, China still needs to improve regulatory policies in support of innovative businesses which would help its transition to an innovation-driven economy. The study provides lessons and policy guidelines to improve the competitiveness of SMEs in China. Copyright © 2016 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.