Rethinking the role of the EU in enhancing European competitiveness

• Published in: Competitiveness review Vol. 31; no. 2; pp. 189 - 207
• Main Authors: Ketels, Christian, Porter, Michael E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bingley Emerald Publishing Limited 04-02-2021; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Competition; COVID-19; Economic growth; EU membership; European integration; Fixed exchange rates; GDP; Global economy; Gross Domestic Product; Macroeconomics; Market economies; Productivity; Prosperity; Regions; Sovereign debt; Specialization; United States > US; Eastern Europe; China; Europe; European competitiveness; Competitiveness; Competitiveness policy
• ISSN: 1059-5422; 2051-3143
• DOI: 10.1108/CR-08-2020-0100

Purpose
This paper aims to review the evidence on Europe’s economic performance and on the role played by policies pursued at the European Union (EU) level, using the competitiveness framework as the conceptual lens.
Design/methodology/approach
Why has Europe not made more progress on upgrading its competitiveness over the past few decades, despite the many initiatives that the EU has launched?
Findings
It finds Europe’s sluggish performance to be driven by a failure to adjust the EU’s policy approach to fundamental changes in the competitiveness context and challenges faced by European economies.
Originality/value
Based on this analysis, the paper suggests a new role for the EU in supporting EU member countries and regions in achieving higher levels of competitiveness.