ИСТИНА

The purpose of the study is to highlight strategies used by Russian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to cope with challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis. It is important to analyze survival strategies and changes in business models and to make a prognosis for their future development. We use the content analysis method to analyze empirical data obtained by means of semi-structured interviews with at least 50 CEOs or company owners (the research is still in progress). The research results show that partnerships with large companies, changes in the range of provided services, and switch to online business models identified as the most appropriate strategies can serve as a base not only for the survival of SMEs but also for gaining additional competitive advantages in the post-pandemic markets. The research is of primary interest to SME managers and to academics in the field of anti-crisis research.