The dynamics of innovation in the ex-communist countries in Europe in the context of globalization

Abstract

Research background: Even if they share a similar background, the ex-communist European countries have started since the ‘90s to differentiate one from another in terms of development. Nowadays, the gaps between them are significant in many aspects of the socio-economic environment, including innovation. Measurements done by Cornell University, INSEAD, and WIPO through the Global Innovation Index give us the opportunity to compare the achievements from the last 30 years of the ex-communist countries. Purpose of the article: The purpose of this paper is to point out the major gaps between the European ex-communist countries in terms of innovation – both innovation inputs and innovation outputs – in the context of globalization, and the way the globalization fostered or suppressed the innovation. Methods: We will do a comparative analysis of the indicators that the input and output indexes are based on – regulatory environment, education, general infrastructure, credit, investment, knowledge workers, knowledge creation, knowledge impact, online creativity, intangible assets. Findings & Value added: This paper may add value to the economic and educational policies in the ex-communist countries by identifying the policies that proved their effectiveness in increasing innovation rates, policies that can be adapted and then adopted by the ex-communist countries that are less innovative.

Keywords

• innovation
• globalization
• ex-communist countries in europe