Abstract: There are many studies indicating the relation between innovation and competitiveness, and the importance of education for both. In addition, such issues are on the United Nations agenda for the millennium goals until 2030. There is little research seeking to establish the relations between these three elements. The objective of this study was to investigate the education as a detennining factor for a country’s competitiveness, and to understand its role in the context of the innovation generation. The research used structural equation modelling and data from 138 countries included in the Global Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum 2016/2017. The results showed that education is the predecessor of innovation and competitiveness and it comprehends basic education and technical training provided by companies.
The study contributes mainly to develop and test education, innovation and competitiveness through a unique integrated structural model.
Keywords: competitiveness of nations; innovation; education; structural equation modelling; millennium development.