The Lisbon Strategy in the Wider European Context Benchmarking Comparative positioning, updated analysis, prioritisation of goals and comparing performance in different key areas and factors that determine economic success(benchmarking), as well as exchange of information on best practice have crucial importance for strengthening competitiveness. In Croatia the activities of collecting and monitoring information for the purpose of benchmarking are being developed within the activities of the National Bureau of Statistics, as well as within the activities of other relevant bodies, such as the National Competitiveness Council(NCC). The“National Report on Competitiveness” and the“Competitiveness Barometer” are examples showing that Croatia has introduced the system of benchmarks for some areas which gives the possibility of evaluating its position compared to other countries. Croatia has been presented comparatively in the “Global Competitiveness Report” since 2003. The NCC regularly reports on the comparative position of Croatia as regards other more developed world economies and gives recommendations and measures to improve the country's position. The“Global Competitiveness Report 2006-2007” presented by the NCC 17 indicates that Croatia has significantly improved its position on the global competitiveness scale, and has been shifted from 64th position to 51st, among 125 countries. This shows that it has come closer to advanced transitional countries(Slovakia is ranked 37, Hungary 41, Poland 48), is ranked better than acceding countries(Bulgaria 72, Romania 68) and far beyond the SAP countries(which are positioned around 80). In the context of the Lisbon Strategy implementation, it is important to stress that Croatia has been performing best in three areas- higher education, innovation and technological readiness(which are the key Lisbon Agenda priorities), while it is positioned below average in the areas of macro-economy, market efficiency, health, primary education and institutions. These areas represent the key challenges for the next period. This is the first year that Croatia has been included in the rankings of the IMD “World Competitiveness Yearbook” 18 . According to the IMD report, the main competitiveness challenges facing Croatia in 2006 are: the new government role 17. The National Competitiveness Council, as a partner of the World Economic Forum, presents the“Global Competitiveness Report” on a yearly basis, including indicators for Croatia. The last one(2006-2007) was presented in Zagreb on 27 September 2006. 18. This year the report encompassed 61 countries, and Croatia was ranked in 59th place. Croatia is in a group of countries Bulgaria(47th place) and Romania(57th place) that are candidates for membership of the European Union, and behind the EU member countries. 27