Evaluation of key R&D areas in the context of economic development: Evidence from self-governing regions of the Czech Republic

Abstract

The paper deals with crucial areas of research potential in regional conditions of the 14 Czech self-governing regions in years 2015 and 2020. For the analysis 11 indicators of research and development (R&D) are applied by use of multivariate methods. The results showed internal similarities of the Czech regions by the three created R&D factors in 2020. We investigated the relationship in Czech regions between the created factors of research potential (in the public sector, the business enterprise sector, potential human resources) on one side and economic level of regions and total R&D expenditures as percentage of regional GDP on the other side. The achieved findings from self-governing Czech regions can be a valuable source for creators of regional R&D strategies in the Czech Republic.