Comparative Analysis On Competitiveness: Romania Vs. Bulgaria

The research developed in the present work is mainly aimed on comparative analysis of competitiveness in Romania and Bulgaria. We want to draw a warning, because the situation is even more worrying because, according to the latest official reports on global and regional competitiveness, Romania was exceeded by Bulgaria, which will have a negative impact on Romania's development in the medium and long term, unless urgent action is taken to redress situation. Although entry into the EU, competitiveness has become a national priority for both Romania and Bulgaria, this being transposed in national development programs and operational programs of the EU's competitiveness, the figures show that Romania had a very low absorption of European funds during 2007- 2013, two times less than Bulgaria absorbed. Target, set by the EU Strategy, is that by 2020, investment in research, development, innovation, made both government and the private sector, representing 2% or 1.5 % of GDP for Romania and Bulgaria. In these circumstances, Romania must develop macroeconomic policies to stimulate economic competitiveness, develop all regions, to attract foreign direct investment, external grants. Bulgaria has to face two major challenges: to accelerate the grow rate and to make it sustainable. Bulgaria has to ensure conditions for innovations and realization of human capital, including the development of the regions.