European Competitiveness is Not Only a Technological Issue, but Also a Human and Social Matter

Abstract

The paper analyses the several competitiveness programs of the EU, and calls attention to the weak points like the neglect of human and social aspects. The studies focus on developing technologies and spending considerable amount of money on them. It is less discussed however that human and social aspects also play significant role in improving competitiveness. It is also a problem that while the EU consists of 27 member states which are extremely different in terms of development and competitiveness, but the different studies do not pay any attention to this fact. In conclusion this article, based on statistical data, will prove that without looking for solutions to decrease development and competitiveness differences among the member states and focus more attention on human and societal issues it will not be possible to genuinely improve European competitiveness.