Innovativeness and Competitiveness of the New European Union States in Variable Economic Situation between 2006 and 2013

The paper discusses the variability of indices of innovation and competitiveness of the European Union states that acceded to the EU on May 1, 2004 and January 1, 2007. Its purpose is to examine the changes in the level of innovativeness and competitiveness of the ‘new’ members and to compare them with the EU between 2006 and 2013. During the research, several methods were applied: a study of literature, an analysis of indices to measure innovation and competitiveness, a comparative analysis. The socio-economic situation of these states and the level of development at the time of acceding to the European Union were different. They felt the effects of the recent global crisis in different ways. Taking into account these factors, the authoress decided to analyse these indices between 2006 and 2013. The adopted scope of analysis will enable us to examine the influence of the variable economic situation on the level of innovativeness and competitiveness of the states surveyed.