1. INTRODUCTION The Sectoral Operational Programme "Increase of Economic Competitiveness" (POS CCE) is the main instrument for achieving two of the thematic priorities of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), namely, long-term growth of economic competitiveness in Romania, (a priority mentioned in the National Development Plan). Although the economy has progressed substantially in recent years, Romania has serious competitiveness gaps with respect to the Western and Central Europe. The reasons for this backwardness are found in all elements that determine the competitive capacity. All is reflected ultimately in low productivity, which defines the competitiveness problem in Romania. The level of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at purchasing power parity (PPP) represents only 50% of the average of the new Member States of the