NACI Resources Studies, etc. Framework competitiveness ranking 2002

Competitiveness is defined in the Unites States as the nation’s “ability to increase the real income of all Americans by producing high-value products and services that meet the test of the world markets” (Council on Competitiveness, 2001). In Ireland competitiveness is defined as “the ability to win and keep business in domestic and foreign markets” (National Competitiveness Council, 2001). Competitiveness has become the primary focus of national policy and investment in the developed and developing worlds of the 21st century. Even countries that have and are performing well economically are engaged in a never-ending struggle to locate competitiveness at the centre of the national endeavour to create and institutionalise sustainable development. South Africa must, without delay, establish its own competitiveness ranking system.

The creation and the institutionalisation of a culture of competitiveness, though highly desirable, is a daunting challenge that calls for careful planning and implementation if the national effort is to result in sustained competitive advantage. The article focuses on the conditions that must be in place to implement the competitiveness ranking system. In short, what are the implications of deciding to go ahead and attempting to get the most out of the competitiveness ranking system?