WHICH COUNTRIES COULD BECOME EASTERN EUROPE'S "SILICON VALLEY"? A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS IN POLAND, ESTONIA, CZECHIA, AND ROMANIA

Abstract

This study examines the potential for the emergence of a Silicon Valley-style innovation ecosystem in Central and Eastern Europe through a comparative analysis of Poland, Estonia, Czechia, and Romania. Rather than relying on a single indicator or attempting to establish a definitive national ranking, the study adopts a multidimensional perspective that considers institutional quality, research and development capacity, human capital, higher education, tax competitiveness, foreign investment, and geographical and economic conditions. The research employs a theoretical and comparative design based on a review of relevant academic literature and secondary information from international and institutional sources. The comparison highlights distinct development profiles among the selected countries: Estonia demonstrates strengths in institutional quality and innovation performance, Czechia has a strong research and development base, and Poland benefits from its market size and strategic economic position. Romania provides an additional perspective on the opportunities and constraints facing innovation development in the region. The study argues that a Silicon Valley-style ecosystem cannot be explained by any single policy or economic indicator. Instead, its development depends on the interaction of institutions, knowledge creation, skilled human capital, entrepreneurial activity, investment conditions, and the commercialisation of innovation. The findings should be interpreted as a qualitative comparative assessment rather than a causal or exhaustive ranking of national innovation systems.