| Acknowledgements | 6 |
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| Contents | 7 |
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| Chapter 1 Introduction – Thesis and Research Methodology | 8 |
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| Chapter 2 Clustering and Networking in Regional Policy | 13 |
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| 2.1 Theoretical Aspects of Networking in the Knowledge Economy | 13 |
| 2.2 EU Innovation Policy Based on Clustering | 27 |
| Chapter 3 Cluster and Network Approach in Regional Development | 38 |
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| 3.1 Clusters – Theoretical Assumption | 38 |
| 3.2 Innovative Networks of Interaction in the Models of Regional Development | 46 |
| Chapter 4 Regional Disparities in EU | 53 |
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| 4.1 Statistic Focus on EU Social–Economic Cohesion | 53 |
| 4.1.1 EU – 15 and Pre-Accession Countries | 53 |
| 4.1.2 Regional Potential of Innovativeness | 65 |
| Chapter 5 Regional Clustering Based on Efficiency and Networking Models | 69 |
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| 5.1 Models of EU Regional Efficiency | 70 |
| 5.1.1 Methodology of the Research Based on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) | 70 |
| 5.1.2 Presentation and Interpretation of Research Results | 84 |
| 5.2 Identification of EU Regional Efficiency Clusters | 96 |
| 5.2.1 K-Means Model Methodology in Regional Clustering | 96 |
| 5.2.2 Presentation and Interpretation of Research Results | 100 |
| 5.3 Summary of Research Results | 104 |
| 5.3.1 Verification of Findings Using the Self Organizing Map Method | 104 |
| 5.3.2 Conclusion of Findings | 111 |
| Bibliography | 120 |
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