THE REGIONAL INNOVATION PARADOX IMPLICATIONS FOR POLISH ECONOMY

The development of the innovation concept, as well as the literature on endogenous growth theory and competitive advantage, has led to the emergence of a consensus on the impact of innovation on economic prosperity and competitiveness. Growing international competition and integration strengthens at the same time the importance of the regional dimension. In accordance with this perspective results obtained in innovation activity significantly depend on the institutional framework, the nature of firm relationships, learning capability or R&D intensity. Undoubtedly, regional differences are observed in case of majority of the factors discussed above. They are closely associated with the phenomenon of regional innovation paradox. This paper presents the regional innovation paradox in the context of Polish economy as one of the basic hindrances which impede a real convergence across regions.