Business Services as Determinant of the Economy's Growth and Competitiveness

The paper deals with business services as a component of the economy and market. The scope of business services in theory and practice is defined and the changes occurring in the classification of economic activities are described. Reasons why business services have been gaining ground are explained, and their functions and tasks related in particular to the support of economic growth and competitiveness are clarified. Their position in the economy is analysed with special regard to EC countries and Slovakia economy during the process of integration into the EC economic environment. External dimensions of business services in EU countries in terms of participation in the overall exports of services and active balance are specified in the paper. Key aspects of EC policies in the area of business services are identified.