Competitiveness and Economic Development in Europe

The success of an economy to adapt quickly, flexibly, and effectively to the demands of the changing international economic environment can only be investigated using the achievements of other national economies or regions as a benchmark. This book analyzes the fundamental factors of competitiveness, which will, in turn, facilitate economic development and growth, in the new post-crisis environment. In the economic, social, legal, and technological environment that has emerged in recent years, as well as in the period after the recent financial crisis, it is critical to define, assess, and implement new pathways to competitiveness and economic development.

The book covers all aspects of competitiveness and economic growth, from financial intermediaries to tourism and the digital economy, and from regulation and corporate governance to exchange rate dynamics and monetary policy issues. It uses empirical findings from a variety of different countries with divergent economic structures and policies. It examines the new system of production, and the technological, commercial, financial and institutional environment, with the aim of recommending a proportional division of benefits and costs of economic growth. It offers a fresh, holistic, and flexible concept to underscore the new relationship between competitiveness and economic growth. Such an approach is needed, whereby competitiveness is no longer a zero-sum game between countries, but is achievable for all countries.

The book recommends future directions and offers policy solutions, and as such, will appeal to students, researchers, and policymakers, as well as those interested in the role of competitiveness in the operation of markets, productivity, and economic development, and how it might foster innovation and growth.

"In the new economic, social, legal and technological environment that has been developed in recent years, as well as in the period after the recent economic crisis, it is critical to define, assess and implement new pathways to competitiveness and economic development. This book analyzes the new system of production, technological, commercial, financial and institutional environment with the aim of?a proportional division of benefits and costs of economic growth. The?international research team under the direction of prof. Sławomir Bukowski, prof. Alina Hyz and prof. Marzanna Lament make an original and valuable attempt to present important problems in the field of economic sciences. It is not without reason that the editors at the end of the introduction express their hope that the book will revive the so needed debate on the future of the European economy." ? Mario Nicoliello, researcher in Business Administration at University of Pisa, Italy.

"The process of economic growth and the sources of differences in economic performance across nations are some of the most interesting, important, and challenging areas in modern social science. The authors analyze the theoretical problems of different aspects of competitiveness and economic development. They use case studies from different countries to prove, support, or reject existing theories and propose new solutions.?The book provides an original and valuable contribution to the researches and literature.?A unique, interdisciplinary approach to the discussed problems makes?this book fascinating not only for professionals but also for everyone interested in the future of the rapidly changing world." ? Prof. Haris Naxakis, Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Ioannina, Greece

"In Competitiveness and Economic Development in Europe: Prospects and Challenges, an international group of authors explore and assess the key European Commission strategy to raise competitiveness, and so deliver higher employment, productivity, and social cohesion. Their success in identifying the main prospects for and challenges to European competitiveness is significantly due to their multi-level approach to the problem, combining macro, sectoral and micro analyses." ? Peter Kristofik, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia