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National Economic Growth and Competitiveness
Chap 2.2
1. Meaning and Intro
2. Porter’s Diamond / Porter and National Prosperity
3. Krugman’s Criticism on competitiveness
a. Dangerous Obsession
b. “meaningless”
c. “misleading”
4. Comments by other Academics
a. Francis Fukuyama
b. Robert Reich
c. Laura Andrea D’Tyson
5. Critique on Krugman
6. Conclusion
1. Meaning and Intro
Porter wanted to find out why US was losing its competitiveness, and why
- Japan was strong in automobiles
- US strong in Chemicals
- Switzerland strong in pharmaceutical
- Germany strong in Machines
- Etc
The classical economic theorists were unable to explain.
Porter put forth his theory on Competitive Advantage of Nations, according to him; it is the diamond factors that determine the nations’ competitive advantage.
2. Porter’s Diamond Factors
Firm Strategy, Structure and rivalry
Free Market -> increased competition.
Eg. In Japan, highly aggressive competition for most industries (cars, consumer elec, cameras, semi-conductors)
Role of Govt
a) deregulation
b) privatization
c) Diminish role of Govt-Linked-Coys (GLC) eg. GIC, Temasek Holding ...