This paper investigates the differences in innovation behaviour, i.e. differences in innovation sources and innovation effects, among manufacturing firms in three NMS: the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. It is based on a survey of firms operating in four manufacturing industries: food and...

This paper investigates the barriers to innovation perceived by Polish manufacturing firms. It refers to the heterogeneity of innovation active firms. We introduce a taxonomy of innovative firms based on the frequency with which they introduce commercialised innovations using data from both CIS4...

The paper assesses differences in productivity and its determinants among enterprises manufacturing cosmetics and detergents (NACE 245) and located in Germany and in three EU new member states. The database collected through conducting an identical survey in Germany, Poland, Czech Republic and...

This paper uses obstacles to innovation to investigate the heterogeneity of Polish innovating firms. Based on the frequency with which they introduce innovations, and using data from both CIS4 (for 2002-2004) and CIS5 (2004-2006), the paper distinguishes between two groups of innovating firms:...

Although competitiveness is a world very often used in literature it is seldom to be found in economic textbook which prefer the term comparative advantage much narrowly defining formula describing international specialization. As Porter underlines comparative advantage and competitiveness...

This paper aims at comparing the uneven process of changes in competitiveness among three accession countries' manufacturing industries, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, during the period prior to their EU membership (1996-2003). It demonstrates that the three countries improved...

This paper aims to show the uneven process of changes in competitiveness across Polish manufacturing industries during the period prior to Poland's EU membership (1996-2003). Based on the Schumpeterian approach to competitiveness, that is the ability to compete, it looks at changes in...

The paper briefly discusses the main economic developments in Poland since its accession to the EU in May 2004 and sees how they relate to the regulatory environment and policies which the EU imposes on the member states. The paper starts with a brief description of principles, legislation and...

In the past ten years all transition economies have adopted modern bankruptcy legislation as part of their institution building efforts. But their approach to insolvency and their determination to use the insolvency process as a selection mechanism have varied widely. The aim of the paper is two...

The paper briefly presents environment for business in Poland as of the end of the year 2005. A few comments, however, on its evolution in the course of the transition period are also made. The paper broaches administrative, legal and financial requirements to start and run business activities...