A multi-criteria approach to the comparative analysis of the global innovation index on the example of the Western Balkan countries

Abstract Innovation is crucial for the competitiveness of countries in global market. Countries oriented to progress must invest innovative activities. Using example Western Balkan countries, this study investigated their competitiveness. The indicators Global Index (GII) were used years 2019, 2020, and 2021. A multi-criteria approach was based on SMART approach. weights criteria determined using CRITIC (criteria importance through intercriteria correlation) method, while CRADIS (compromise ranking alternatives from distance ideal solution) method ranked according characteristics. results showed that Montenegro had best innovation indicators, followed by Serbia, Albania worst indicators. This research an four normalizations, advantages these normalizations contribute stabilization decision-making.