Within the backdrop of contemporary socio-economic dynamics, this research probes into the multifaceted influence of globalization on the economic competitiveness of Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. Central to the study is the triadic relationship among innovation performance, competitiveness, and economic growth. Drawing data from authoritative sources such as the Global Economic Forum, World Economic Forum, European Innovation Scoreboard, and Eurostat database, the authors embark on an in-depth comparative and correlation examination. The results accentuate that nations anchoring their economic strategies on science, technology, and innovation not only foster sustainable competitive edges but also bolster global competitiveness and overall economic expansion. Concurrently, the paper underscores the paramountcy of innovation performance as a linchpin for bolstering international competitiveness.