The main thesis of this article is, that social capital signifi cantly increases the competitiveness and innovation. Bourdieu defi ned social capital as the sum of the actual and potential resources which are linked to possession of a durable network of relationships, based on mutual dependence and recognition. In my terms, social capital consists of two parts: the same social relations that enable individual access to the resources of the people you are connected, and the quantity and quality of those resources. Individuals and organizations with high social capital gain competitive advantage through rapid fl ow of knowledge. With regard to the public good role of social capital lies primarily in its servitude, lies in the fact that it allows to combine and more effi cient use of other types of capital. As a result of social capital can offset the adverse economic events, to help better cope with crises and to compensate for market failure. Social capital not only plays an important role in the economic sphere but also in the social life of ordinary people, enhancing their welfare and prevent loneliness.