THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2014-2020 AS A SOURCE OF IMPROVEMENT OF INNOVATIVENESS

Abstract

The aim of the paper was identify and assess progress in selected actions implemented under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020 as a source of financing entities’ innovative undertakings. The availability of European funds allocated to entities for increasing their competitiveness through innovativeness is a key element creating and developing innovative economy. The paper describes the essence of innovativeness and indicates selected instruments supporting innovativeness under the RDP 2014-2020. It also discusses the areas, ranges limits and use of support provided to business projects. The empirical data came from reports, documents with public statistics and unpublished data of the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture. The authors stressed out the fact that the perception as well as the economic and financial situation of entities currently functioning under precarious and unstable conditions, affect their openness to the EU offer. The EU funds will enable new entities to initiate innovative trends, whereas old entities can continue these trends through investment activity. The process of applying for funds is complicated, so it is not easy to receive support. It is necessary to take actions which will increase efficient use of the funds.