Innovation performance as a significant factor in the convergence process of the V4 countries

Innovation constitutes a fundamental pillar of economic development, particularly within the framework of the knowledge-based economy, which prioritizes the creation of high added value through research and development (R&D). Within the European Union, innovation performance is increasingly acknowledged as a critical determinant of national competitiveness, economic prosperity, and regional convergence. This study examines the interrelationship between innovation performance—measured by the Summary Innovation Index (SII) and economic wealth, represented by GDP per capita and GDP per capita in purchasing power standards (PPS), across the Visegrad Four (V4) countries, all of which acceded to the European Union in 2004. Utilizing quantitative methods, primarily regression and correlation analyses, the research identifies statistically significant associations among innovation performance, R&D investment, and selected economic indicators. The findings reveal substantial disparities in innovation capacity among the V4 countries and highlight uneven progress in their convergence with the more established EU member states. Beyond the prevalence of declarative political commitments to fostering a knowledge economy, the results underscore the urgent need for targeted policy interventions aimed at enhancing innovation performance and accelerating the convergence trajectory of the V4 region.