EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVES ON COMPETITIVENESS AND
   RESEARCH IN A KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY. WHERE
                 DOES ROMANIA STAND?

                      Monica Boldea, West University of Timişoara
                        Maria Otil, West University of Timişoara
                       Ionut Dragoi, West University of Timişoara

ABSTRACT: In order to cope with the challenges of globalization Europe will have to
focus on its creative and innovative capacity, creativity and innovation being crucial in
meeting global challenges, this being the more evident given the current economic crisis.
Our paper analyzes the EU cohesion policy (as a tool for addressing challenges in the
long run) on regional development, as well as the regions’ role in the economic
development with regard to research and innovation, in order to lead towards a
strengthening of competitiveness. We also question to what extent is encouraging
research-development-innovation a priority for Romania, given the European standpoint.
Our study is mainly based on data provided by various communications from the
European Commission, EUROSTAT, and the Statistical Yearbook of Romania.

Key words: economic development, regional policy, R&D, competitiveness, innovation

JEL codes: E6, R12