Innovation, human capital and trade competitiveness : how are they connected and why do they matter? Comparing countries in Europe, North America, and Asia

This work focuses on researching and establishing the importance of human capital and innovation as determinants of competitive advantages in international trade--in the context of rapidly evolving technological advancement, globalization, and economic integration. The processes that accompany the shift from industrial economics to a knowledge-based economy are currently the object of interest of both scientists, politicians, investors and entrepreneurs. In many countries, the traditional sources of socioeconomic development, such as low labor costs, availability of inexpensive raw materials, and favorable geographic location are waning. These economies are searching for new sources of competitive advantage that will allow for maintaining growth, among other things by boosting participation in international trade. The book explores non-traditional drivers of competitiveness in both theory and practice. First, chapters 1 through 4 present theoretical and methodological aspects of the relationships among international trade, human capital and innovation. Here the authors address the controversy associated with the concept of competitiveness itself and its measurement, while paying special attention to the political development of comparative advantages related to international trade. The second part of the monograph, chapters 5 through 8, is of empirical nature. This section contains case studies of selected countries that represent models of various national innovation systems. Finally, the theoretical and practical aspects are integrated, allowing policymakers and financial and business leaders to consider how their decisions can influence their countries' competitive positions through their investments in innovation and human capital This work focuses on researching and establishing the importance of human capital and innovation as determinants of competitive advantages in international trade in the context of rapidly evolving technological advancement, globalization, and economic integration. The processes that accompany the shift from industrial economics to a knowledge-based economy are currently the object of interest of both scientists, politicians, investors and entrepreneurs. In many countries, the traditional sources of socioeconomic development, such as low labor costs, availability of inexpensive raw materials, and favorable geographic location are waning. These economies are searching for new sources of competitive advantage that will allow for maintaining growth, among other things by boosting participation in international trade. The book explores non-traditional drivers of competitiveness in both theory and practice. First, chapters 1 through 4 present theoretical and methodological aspects of the relationships among international trade, human capital and innovation. Here the authors address the controversy associated with the concept of competitiveness itself and its measurement, while paying special attention to the political development of comparative advantages related to international trade. The second part of the monograph, chapters 5 through 8, is of empirical nature. This section contains case studies of selected countries that represent models of various national innovation systems. Finally, the theoretical and practical aspects are integrated, allowing policymakers and financial and business leaders to consider how their decisions can influence their countries' competitive positions through their investments in innovation and human capital Front Matter....Pages i-xvi Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Theoretical Grounds of the Development of Long-Term Competitive Advantages in International Trade....Pages 3-51 Human Capital and Innovation—Basic Concepts, Measures, and Interdependencies....Pages 53-80 Concept of National Innovation System and International Competitiveness—A Theoretical Approach....Pages 81-103 Human Capital and Innovations As Determinants of Competitiveness....Pages 105-157 Front Matter....Pages 159-159 International Competitiveness of Countries with Dynamic Innovation Systems....Pages 161-228 International Competitiveness of Countries with Performing Innovation Systems....Pages 229-318 International Competitiveness of Countries with Catching-up Innovation Systems....Pages 319-355 International Competitiveness of Countries with Unbalanced Innovation Systems....Pages 357-439 Back Matter....Pages 441-486