Comparative international survey on marketing orientation of small and medium size enterprises

This comparative research was focused on the differences and similarities of marketing orientation of SMEs in North Karelia region in Finland and in Moravian and Silesian region in Czech republic. On the bases of our findings we can conclude that there has started the significant qualitative movement towards practical use of marketing planning, market analyses and application of all marketing mix tools in Czech SMEs and they can be well compared with Finnish SMEs. Nevertheless, this qualification is not sufficient for to stand proof in intensifying competition and therefore more education should be adequate. The Finnish firms are indisputably more educated and therefore may be more confident about their future. It will be useful to adjust the offer of education to specific requirements of SMEs.