Assumptions for competitiveness on the global markets - example of Czech SME operating in High-tech Manufacturing Industry

The Macroeconomic competitiveness can be based on quantitative factors (low material and labor costs) or qualitative factors. Innovation activity of firms and effective support of spending on research and development at the macro level are a prerequisite for obtaining and maintaining the competitiveness of firms and national economies. Innovation performance of Czech firms is a key prerequisite for redirection of competitive advantages from cost -based to qualitative competitive advantage. The first objective of this article is to define key assumptions for competitiveness of the Czech's SME from the high-tech manufacturing industry in the niche, but global markets. In this context, the concept of hidden champions will be applied. The second aim is to find out if the average small and medium enterprise in the individual branches of high-tech manufacturing industry meets at least some characteristics of hidden champions. The positive changes in labour productivity determinate not only the present state of countries' economic performance, but the effectivity of innovation processes and the level of upgrading local technological capability as well. We also analyse the status and development of these sectors in Manufacturing Industry in years 2008 - 2017 and compare changes in the abovementioned indicators. The other objective of the article is a comparison of changes in the innovative behaviour of firms. The analysis of changes in innovation performance is based on the interpretation of results.