Technical Efficiency of Innovations in Poland from EU Perspective

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an assessment of the technical efficiency of innovations in the European Union (EU). Data Envelopment Analysis was used to investigate this subject. The results of simulation experiments were used to offer possible suggestions regarding policy measures that may be considered when exploring means to improve Poland's performance in terms of innovation. The technical efficiency of innovations in Poland is below that in the European Union as a whole. Poland exhibits decreasing returns to scale. Special attention should be paid to education, research, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is essential to undertake legal changes governing innovation activities and the attitudes of Poles towards innovativeness in order to improve results. In general, the National Innovation System needs to be corrected or improved. The key aspect of such improvements rests with congestion: overinvestment or inappropriate use of resources. Suggestions for further research on the subject are presented, along with proposed ways of improving the National Innovation System.