Business knowledge as a function of development: economic diplomacy in the Republic of Croatia

International relations and diplomacy are focusing increasingly on economic diplomacy. Economic diplomacy is related to the diplomatic activities aimed at boosting exports, enhancing attraction of foreign investments and participating in the activities of international economic organizations. The strategic goals of economic diplomacy include not only the promotion of national economies and companies in world markets (strengthening the higher forms of economic cooperation), the protection of national (economic) interests in international economic relations and foreign economic cooperation (import and export etc.) but also an identification of instruments and mechanisms for their enforcement. According to the results of the empirical research, vital economic and diplomatic institutions in the Republic of Croatia have a different understanding of the concept of economic diplomacy. The results also show that Croatia has no established national system of economic diplomacy. Creating such a national economic diplomacy system is essential for strengthening the competitiveness of the Croatian economy, its economic growth and development and for the reinforcement of Croatian national power in an international environment.