EN
Innovation activity and knowledge diffusion are key development factors in territorial growth poles and crucial, but not enough stressed in the original growth pole theory. In the article thoughts of the authors of the original growth pole theory connected with knowledge and innovation are presented. The original theory is than adjusted to the modern requirements of the knowledge based economy by presentation of the model of territorial growth pole as a system of development factors and analysis of the real impact of theoretical development factors on economic growth based on literature review.