Penka Shishmanova
The Key Challenges of Knowledge-based Economy Facing Some Countries of the Balkan Region (Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey)
Summary:
This paper analyzes the progress of three Balkan countries – Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey, in building a knowledge-based economy. For this purpose we employ the Knowledge Assessment Methodology – KAM/ of the World Bank and, in particular, a system of indicators integrated into four supporting “pillars” – economic initiative and institutional environment, education, innovations, information and communication technologies.
Based on that, we compare the accomplishments of the respective countries, uncover the common ground and the differences between them, outline their weaknesses and comparative advantages, high-light their particular problems and lay down their potentials. All of this in the long run is intended to outline the key challenges of knowledge-based economy facing each of the three countries and the Balkan region at large.
