Research background: Small and medium-sized businesses are significant economic power and employer in the European Union. The modern globalized world, new technologies, and advanced connectivity bring SMEs a wide range of opportunities, but also threats. Increasing the stability and competitiveness of SMEs is one of the main goals of national governments and the EU. The research is based on personal research in SMEs, its experiences and backward testing of reached results. Purpose of the article: The aim of the paper is to analyze the possibilities the potential of using controlling as a managing tool of SMEs for increased competitiveness in the context of Industry 4.0 with an emphasis on innovations. Methods: The study is based on a detailed analysis of 341 SMEs from the Czech Republic obtained in the years 2017?2019. The data were analyzed using statistical methods such Pearson correlation, stepwise regression for the purpose of determining the relationship between the controlling management system of a company, its innovation potential, level of process maturity, number of employees, internal audit, financial stability and strategic plan. Statistical analysis confirmed the close relationship of the analyzed variables and backwards experimental testing of the statistical analysis conclusions defined critical factors in the area of people in an organization, usage of advanced information systems and Industry 4.0 technologies implementation. Findings & Value added: Those important areas were determined as essential for the successful development of SMEs, as well as the most significant threats in the Industry 4.0 environment. The information obtained is useful in practice and can be applied to a more in-depth analysis of the issues. The research findings are showing possible opportunities and treads for SMEs long term stability and development as well as ways to increase enterprise performance based on controlling management system.

There is a conceptual problem in the adequate application of internal audit and internal control in the real business of the marketing environment. Although both of these managerial tools are theoretically defined, they are practically interchangeable in business. This limits their application. It is therefore necessary to focus on both concepts and make the theory and practice more precise or remove any overlaps. The aim of this paper is therefore a theoretical and practical comparison of internal audit and internal control concepts in the marketing environment. To fulfil this purpose and verify the hypotheses, this paper uses computer assisted self interviewing. The research was conducted in Q1 2021 with a sample of 3052 small and medium enterprises from the international environment of the EU 27. The research conclusions show a strong correlation of the theoretical perception of the terms of internal audit and internal control. At the same time, they show a weak correlation with the audit and control tools used in practice. They also define audit as planned independent assurance (soft consultation) and control as operational managerial assurance (hard comparison). This defines and clarifies scientific theories for managerial practice, thus enhancing and increasing the efficiency of internal audits and internal control in the business environment.

Social network usage is a prerequisite for the functioning of companies and their competitiveness. The level, focus of their usage, and link with the company process are important. This research focuses on SMEs, how they use social networks, and how this affects their innovation potential. The study aims to determine the importance of social networks for SME’s competitiveness and long-term stability. To achieve this goal, 359 European SMEs were studied (2017–2019), two research questions and seven hypotheses were developed. Pearson’s correlation and stepwise regression were used, and the obtained results were verified by experimental testing. The research results showed that companies using social media as a main component of their business, are active at using modern technologies and are declaring the importance of social networks to develop innovation potential. Fastness and reliability of communication are crucial for business operations in the company. Social networks offer many opportunities and connections between strategic planning, controlling management, and performance level. All SMEs mostly use Facebook, and this does not depend on size, age or industry. The research results lead to the understanding that social networks and controlling-oriented management support SME business activities and their innovation potential and long-term stability in a hyper-competitive environment. AcknowledgmentThe paper has been prepared within the project “Risk Management in Industry 4.0” supported by the Specific University Research Funds of the University of Finance and Administration, Estonská 500, 101 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic. Funder ID: 04274644. 3. Award number: 7427/2019/02 IGA VŠFS.

This research is oriented to SME’s innovation activities, its management system and competitiveness based on innovations. Research is focused on causalities between innovative controlling, audit, enterprise innovation activities and the results put in context with ROA, ROE, turnover. Data for this research were collected in 317 European SMEs by researches by using questionnaire and analyzed by advanced statistical methods. The aim of this research is to identify key factors for successful innovation enterprise activities, to define weaknesses and common mistakes. Secondary aim is to design controlling process for SME’s innovation activities. The findings of this research are opening up topics for further research.

LLC “CPC “Business Perspectives” - publishing platform for academic journals