Competitiveness and Development

Myth and Realities

By (author) Mehdi Shafaeddin Foreword by Erik S. Reinert

Publication date:

15 September 2012

Publisher

Anthem Press

Dimensions:

229x153mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9780857284600

In ‘Competitiveness and Development’, the author explains the confusion surrounding the concept of competitiveness in the context of developing countries; proposes policies for achieving competitiveness at a high level of development; examines its possibilities and constraints; and suggests policy changes necessary at the national and international levels. Shafaeddin illustrates how developed countries impose restrictive policies on developing countries through international financial institutions and the WTO, as well as regional and bilateral agreements, which limit their policy space for promoting dynamic comparative advantage in order to achieve competitiveness at a high level of development. Ultimately, such policies lock developing countries that are at early stages of development in specialization based on static comparative advantage and competitiveness at a low level of development.

List of Tables, Figures and Boxes; Foreword; Preface; Acknowledgements; List of Abbreviations; 1. Introduction: Framework of Analysis; 2. Context and Conditions of International Competition; 3. Alternative Theories of Competitiveness; 4. Firm Strategy and New Industrial Organization; 5. External Economies: Organization of Interfirm Relations; 6. Reputation and Trust: A Firm’s Relations with Stakeholders and Others; 7. Innovation and Upgrading; 8. Government Policies; 9. The Experiences of China and Mexico; 10. Summary and Concluding Remarks; Appendices; Bibliography; Index

'‘Competitiveness and Development’ is an original, innovative and heterodox synthesis of the microeconomic foundations of firm behaviour so crucial to realizing their development potential. Shafaeddin brings together classical as well as contemporary insights on state–firm, interfirm and intrafirm relations, besides case studies from China and Mexico, to better understand enterprise strategy, capacity, capabilities, competitiveness and potential.’ —Jomo Kwame Sundaram, FAO Assistant Director General for Social and Economic Development and G24 Research Coordinator