The Competitiveness of Visegrad Four NUTS 2 Regions and its Evaluation by DEA Method Application

The paper deals with evaluating competitiveness level in Visegrad Four (V4) NUTS 2 regions by Data Envelopment Analysis application (DEA). The aim of the paper is to assess competitive potential of V4 NUTS 2 regions on the platform of CCR model of efficiency. It is convenient to use DEA method for regional competitiveness evaluation as it does not evaluate only one factor, but a set of different factors that determine the degree of economic development. DEA method is based on the inputs and outputs of indicators used. It evaluates the ability of regions to transform their inputs into outputs. Therefore, the region's effectiveness can be considered as a 'mirror' of competitiveness. The database of analysis consists of regional data available under the European growth strategies which is published by the European Statistical Office. The first part of the paper focuses on theoretical background of regional competitiveness and DEA methods. The application concentrates on the evaluation of V4 NUTS 2 region's efficiency in the frame of CCR input oriented model. Based on DEA method, finally the comparison of the level of competitive potential of V4 NUTS 2 regions is included.