Purpose: The first purpose of this study is to identify and explore IT professionals' innovation capability (IC) in terms of two dimensions: organizational and individual, in regional, micro-sized, and small organizations (RMSOs) in Poland, a transition economy. The second goal is to find demographic and organizational factors which may influence IC. Design/Methodology/Approach: The authors unites an analysis comprised multiple-case studies based on mixed methods. The study employed qualitative and quantitative methods such as the method of competent judges, in-depth interviews and a structured survey as well as a combination of random and snowball sampling. On the basis of a survey among 60 IT professionals (supervisors and subordinates) the authors identified individual IC factors such as social competences, knowledge and skills, as well as organizational dimensions, such as the type of innovative change and ICT innovations. Factors influencing IC on an individual basis include position, education, age, and gender, while organizational determinants are related to organization size and location. Findings: The proposed methodology let to find the benefits for management practices in transition economies, an underestimated problem within RMSOs. Practical Implications: The current research expands the existing knowledge stream on ICT innovation capability in relation to individual socio-demographic factors and organizational factors, affecting its development in RMSOs in transition economies. This study adds potential to the implementation of the management practices in transition economies, an underestimated problem within RMSOs. Originality/Value: The authors purpose, as the novelty, the new approach of ICT innovation capability at the organizational and individual levels of an enterprise tool. We developed our previous toolthe Questionnaire of Innovation Capability (QIC). The authors defined its two dimensions, as organizational innovation capability and individual innovation capability. The use of RMSOs in transition economies yielded rich data for further research.

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to determine the endogenous innovation potential of regional SMEs in emerging economies (EE). The presented research examines where the SME sector stands within the economy, especially an emerging one, with particular emphasis on the circumstances surrounding business innovation and an innovative economy in conditions of sustainable development. Design/Methodology/Approach: A current understanding of the concept of SMEs along with the consequences for enterprises that arise from their inclusion within the analyzed sector is described. To achieve this goal, a group of innovatory indicators have been developed that are particularly important for the growth of the innovative potential of enterprises in the SME sector. Activities are also indicated that are particularly important for the development of the innovative potential of this sector. A research hypothesis concerning the endogenous innovatory activity of the SMEs in the region under analysis is proffered in this work. Findings: On an empirical level, based on the analysis, it can be pointed out that the key to competitiveness is innovation, and the pace of change in techniques, technology and organization means that only an enterprise capable of introducing innovative changes can survive in the market. Practical Implications: The enterprises surveyed, in terms of SME in the Opole Voivodeship, Poland, are characterized by innovatory potential. This will contribute to the perception of this sector not only as the dominant one in terms of quantity when considering all the enterprises on the market, but also as an equal partner among innovative enterprises of the region. Originality/Value: Relevant to the development of the whole SME sector is the fact that it not only derives from external innovatory potential but is itself increasingly a source and driving force. Research fulfils the gap in the using new toolneural networks (NN) to analysis of economical phenomenon such as innovational potential of enterprises, establishes the model concerning the use of a group of innovativeness indicators for the growth of enterprise innovativeness and purposes new definition of innovation as well.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to identify the proper economic tools to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of a regional development policy. Design/Methodology/Approach: The proposed methodology consists of three stages. At the first stage, the indicators are analyzed, allowing pointing the level of particular development dimensions in the self government strategy. At the second stage, indicators characterizing the efficiency of Opolskie Regional Operating Programme (OROP) and Development Strategy of Opole Voivodeship are examined. The third final stage is the analysis of the integrated effectiveness of regional development policy. The research methodology is based on the use of the following methods: desk research, the method of grouping statistical data, and the method of effectiveness analysis. Findings: The proposed methodology let us to find the need of redefining the tool enabling the measure of the degree of imbalance as the result of leading the regional development policy, as well as the uneven development potentials. Practical Implications: The authors purpose a new approach to the regional development policy by defining the complementary tools for regional self government evaluation. Originality/Value: The authors propose the new approach to the regional development policy programming, especially by redefining regional needs included into regional strategies.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the COVID-19 pandemic implications for alternative income sources in transition economy with the dispute based on literature and research. Design/Methodology/Approach: The following research methods were used. Desk extensive research and analysis of raw data collected for the study. An original in-depth interview form was developed, and scientific dispute based on subject literature was conducted. A research hypothesis, aimed at verifying the research problem, were formulated. Findings: The study highlights that, aside from passion, the main reason for undertaking additional economic activity is to obtain additional income. Practical Implications: The research expands the knowledge on COVID-19 economic implication such as finding of additional income in transition economies. An the obvious objective of each economic activity is income maximization, this is why the paper can be used as a compendium for potential additional income increasing implementation in practice. Originality/Value: The paper may start the discussion on alternative income sources which, especially in the current time of recession of domestic and global economies, will constitute an increasing percentage of households' income. This will be the growing need of many households. The paper may be the basis for research extension, especially in a comparative basis.

The article’s goal is to study internal and external cost as part of the sustainable development paradigm. To illustrate such a problem the role and a scope of presented costs in the health care system are discussed. The practical example from Opolskie Voivodship — the John Paul II Specialist Hospital in Głuchołazy — is presented. For achievement of this aim a literature review is conducted from the scope of health-care economics and its sustainable development as well as internal and external costs (desk research). An analysis of data (data analysis) is performed on the example of the specific hospital (case study). After such analysis it is possible to state that it is necessary to have knowledge regarding the occurrence of diseases in the population and the total (including external) values of social and economic costs of untreated diseases. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to, first of all, implement educational programs. This also applies to general medical practitioners, because, as practice shows, patients are often diagnosed at the stages of disease when effective treatment is nearly impossible.