THE R&D EXPENDITURES AND INNOVATION PERFORMANCE CHANGES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC IN CONDITIONS OF THE CRISIS

The innovative activity of firms and effective support of research and development on the macroeconomic level is a prerequisite for obtaining and keeping competitiveness of firms and national economies. The continuing economic crisis is in some European countries associated with a lack of innovation. This article aims to analyse and compare the strengths and weaknesses of the innovation systems of both countries. The starting point is the analysis and comparison of the behaviour of economic actors in innovation in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The first approach is based on the international innovative profiles, which are published by an independent organization and evaluate not only the situation in individual countries, but also development. The second approach use selected data regularly published by the statistical offices of both countries. When analysing these data, we focus mainly on the comparison of R & D expenditures and investments. The combination of macroeconomic and microeconomic approach enables the comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of individual countries in the field of innovative behaviour. Those were even more revealed by economic crisis acting as a catalyst. It also allows us to suggest optimal ways to support the development of both countries.