Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of support mechanisms on improving the competitiveness and innovation capacity of enterprises. The methodology included a survey among employees of companies in Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Poland. An analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats was carried out. The study’s findings revealed that enterprises actively adopting innovations and effective management strategies experience higher productivity and profitability. Additionally, financial support and government regulation were identified as critical factors for the growth of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises. Economic incentives, such as tax exemptions and subsidies, play a key role in expanding investment opportunities and modernizing production processes. The significance of these results lies in their potential to inform recommendations for optimizing economic incentives in the manufacturing sector. The implementation of state support programs and financial incentives notably boosts investment activity and enhances enterprise competitiveness, especially in times of economic instability.