R&D ACTIVITY AND INNOVATIVENESS AS FACTORS IN COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE SWEDISH ECONOMY (Polish title- below)

(Title in Polish - 'Dzialalnosc B+R i innowacyjnosc determinantami przewagi konkurencyjnej na przykladzie gospodarki szwedzkiej'). Dzialalnosc B+R i innowacyjnosc determinantami przewagi konkurencyjnej na przykladzie gospodarki szwedzkiej'). Knowledge, research and innovation connected with them are regarded as ones of the most important driving strengths of the domestic economy. It could be stated that this phenomenon refers to economic and social spheres and innovations are a kind of a determinant of competitiveness. This theory is supported by an example of Sweden and Swedish economy which is regarded as one of the most innovative and competitive economies in the world. Innovative activity is dependent on the knowledge of people involved in this activity and the quality of the R&D activity. Therefore it needs to be emphasized that Sweden is said to be a leader in the investment in knowledge. Sweden's investments in education as compared to the size of the Swedish economy have long been among the largest in the world. Thus, Sweden has one of the highest levels in the OECD. The economic growth depends on innovations, novelties and improvements which depend on the level of knowledge and skills. That consequently leads to a higher level of both economic development and economic competitiveness. As a result, Swedish economy belongs to the group of innovative leaders. In view of this fact, Sweden can be regarded as one of the richest, the best developed and the most competitive countries and economies in the world.