Models of learning in innovation performance

The paper evaluates innovative performance in terms of theoretical and methodological concept of learning economy applied to the EU countries. Implications of this assessment for quality-based competitiveness are also discussed, and the positions of EU countries are compared as to different sources of competitiveness (cost vs. knowledge-based advantage) and technology knowledge (internal innovative capacity vs. technology transfer). The theoretical and methodological concept of learning economy has so far not been applied to the new EU members. The paper starts with the introductory description of the key theoretical and methodological concepts and clarification of the applied terms and methods. The exploited data set is described and major results of the analysis of organisational models presented. The structural aspect includes classification according to industries, occupations and countries. The impact of national differences on organisational models is evaluated. The typology of organiyational models is subsequently compared against the typology of innovators and sources of competitiveness.