Purpose of the article is to illustrate the use of qualitative data analysis software (QDAS) as a research tool implementing qualitative content analysis of textual material of competitiveness literature. The scientific aim is to summarize and quantify the most often used keywords, terms and patterns of expression in competitiveness definitions, what explains the meaning, measurement and determinants of competitiveness. Methodology/methods Literature review resulted with altogether, chronologically 125 competitiveness defi-nitions and concepts were allocated within the timeframe between1949-2013 were subdivided in country, re-gional, industry, firm/company and individual levels of research. Some authors have generated more than 1 definition, some definitions are published by more than 1 author, and some definitions cover 2 areas of competitiveness research in a definition. In the article were included only 34 most recent competitiveness defini-tions (1998-2013) and cited sources (due to page limit A. Appendix), as selection criteria was used: the most often applied words and terms in the content. Full list of competitiveness definitions will be included in further research articles and doctoral dissertation. Scientific aim Identify the most often used keywords and terms in competitiveness definitions and concepts, summary of main word meaning used to define competitiveness and factors at the given context and objective with the help of software. Findings 837 words were derived from definition content mentioned at least one time, if the word “com-petitiveness” is taken away from result list, then the top ten is as follows: 1st place “country” (mentioned 62 times) ; 2nd “ability” (57 times); 3rd “products” (56), 4th “firm” (45); 5th “nations” (39); 6th “international” (38); 7th “markets” (37); 8th “economic” (34); 9th “level” (31); 10th “services” (24),”factors(23)”. Most often the scale of competitiveness is defined (country, company, markets or its synonyms), competitiveness is viewed as ability, provide or achieve (70 words), products and services (98) are important measure; factors, terms and conditions (52 words), finally very often researchers competitiveness associates with growth, increase, high and better (54 words), and it means welfare and quality of living (38 words). Competitiveness factor and determinant presence definition is less obvious, general message is that certain institution, policy and factor (human or physical) conditions must exist, but not specifically defined as special skills(3), knowledge(0), innovations(5), capabilities(4), exports(5)owners(2)human resource (8),strategies(1), information and communication(0),customers(7),competitors(11), business(9) , academic(1), political(2)could be explained by intentional types of definitions providing the essence of the term, but mot the every detail of it. Conclusions –The term competitiveness is associated with firm or company level in equal frequency as to country and nation level, but sector, industry and regional competitiveness is even less present. Evident is the fact that “Competitiveness “is the quality and ability to achieve something, on the international global level with their products and services. The results might differ if the whole articles would be analyzed, since the definitions very often lack the con-text, purpose and main variables of the research what lead to the conclusion and finally to definition of competitiveness. Further research using software content analysis with more specific focus will be performed, on industry and company level, and factor specific and with coding of data of the textual material and extensional definitions. Additionally to above mentioned competitiveness factor intensity and synergy is planned to research. Keywords: Competitiveness, definitions, concepts, content analysis, factors JEL Classification: M15, M21