PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND DEVELOPING AN
         ENVIRONMENT FAVORABLE TO SMES
                 Carmen Nastase, University Stefan cel Mare of Suceava
                  Mihai Popescu, University Stefan cel Mare of Suceava
                 Carmen Boghean, University Stefan cel Mare of Suceava

ABSTRACT: The article aims at charting possibilities of knowledge transfer between
university and business environment, especially SME. Universities and other public
sector research have accumulated much practical experience over the years in the
transfer of knowledge across the divide between the domains of publicly produced
knowledge and the private exploitation of it. This article has a specific focus on
universities as a regional channel for business development in a cross-border area. The
research questions of this paper are: How does the university contribute towards
building the cooperation between cross-border partners? Studies, analyses, research
activities to provide quality information and enough relevant data for the development of
the exchange of good practices? The study will conclude by recommendations how to
support to develop university networks and enterprises for business development.

Key words: enterprises, innovation, investment, networks, university

JEL codes: O12, A23