Comparative evolutionary study on transitions of national innovation systems in the Baltic Region

The paper provides an evolutionary study on the transition of national innovation systems (NIS) within the catching up economy context in the Baltic Region. The regional and institutional context provides an exceptional chance to look at the evolution of economies from planned economy towards free market, and reaching advanced high economy profile over 25 years (International Monetary Fund, 2015). However, the authors argue, that economy transition does not simultaneously lead to the technological upgrading and sophistication of NIS. The comparative evolutionary data analysis in three Baltic States, namely Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, that reached advanced economy profile in 2015 (IMF) is used to illustrate the statement. The period of study encompasses ten years of membership in European Union (2006-2015), and aims at providing the national innovation system transition trends from the evolutionary perspective. The authors aim to provide the reader with the broad overview of transition patterns taken. Empirical findings demonstrate the differences in national innovation system transition, whereas Estonia demonstrates balanced development of national innovation system, and Lithuania together with Latvia demonstrate asymmetries and stagnating development despite successful economic transition.