This study evaluates the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to GDP growth in advanced economies and identifies the main mechanisms through which SME development influences macroeconomic performance. The research is based on a comparative and econometric approach that integrates regression analysis with country-level statistical data for Germany, the United States, Japan, and South Korea over the period 2020–2025. Key variables include SME share in GDP, employment, exports, productivity, investment, and innovation indicators. The findings are also interpreted in comparison with Uzbekistan to identify structural differences in SME-driven economic growth.

The results demonstrate that SMEs contribute approximately 45–55% of GDP in advanced economies and have a statistically significant positive impact on economic growth. Innovation, export orientation, and productivity are identified as the most influential channels through which SMEs affect GDP dynamics. Germany and South Korea exhibit export-driven SME growth models, while the United States demonstrates innovation- and entrepreneurship-based expansion. In Japan, SME productivity and investment play a decisive role in ensuring economic stability and supporting GDP growth. In contrast, SME contribution to GDP growth in Uzbekistan is primarily employment- and domestic-demand-driven.

Although the study is limited to selected advanced economies and relies on aggregated macroeconomic indicators, it provides important practical implications for economic policy. The findings highlight the need to strengthen innovation capacity, improve financial accessibility, support technological modernization, and promote export integration of SMEs to enhance their macroeconomic contribution. The study offers a comparative regression-based perspective and provides new insights into differences between innovation-driven and employment-driven SME development models in shaping GDP growth.

SMEs, GDP growth, economic development, innovation

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