Research and development (R&D) is widely known as a key factor in promoting economic growth and competitiveness. In this context, the authors aim at exploring the differences and changes in the field of R&D in twenty countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). An overall image of these countries in what concerns their R&D indicators and competitiveness at international level and their participation in European Framework Programmes (FPs) is offered. The analysis shows that there are

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... t differences among the selected countries in CEE in all analysed aspects, with countries outside the EU registering lower performance than the EU members. Thus, the authors present the capacity of the CEE countries to innovate and underline the role of the policymakers in developing sustainable policies on research and development, encouraging investments in R&D field in order to strengthen the performance in research and innovation, and eventually stimulate economic growth.