Results of European Investment Bank (EIB) survey show a positive investment outlook in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe and that companies should invest more in cutting-edge equipment and research and development.

The EIB presented the Survey of Investment and Investment Finance at the GLOBSEC Forum 2017 in Bratislava recently, showing results culled from polling more than 12,000 firms.

“The EIB Investment Survey (EIBIS) shows that the investment outlook in the CESEE region has improved in recent years," EIB Vice President Vazil Hudak said in a press release. "On the other hand, we see that uncertainty, the lack of skilled staff, and business and labor market regulation continue to represent major barriers for investing in this region. The region would benefit from further upscaling of the 'quality' of capital stock and more support for R&D. The survey conclusions will help the EU bank to contribute to a policy response that properly addresses the needs of businesses, promoting investment in the EU."

The survey results showed an overall positive outlook for the region, with more firms planning expansions rather than cutbacks last year. The survey also noted the investment outlook for the region as "modestly optimistic" with the highest expectations in Croatia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.