Sustainable Competitiveness: How Does Global Competitiveness Index Relate to Economic Performance Accompanied by the Sustainable Development?

Abstract

The research under discussion remains whether higher competitiveness of a country brings higher economic performance and sustainable growth, e.g., in the V4 region. The objective of the paper is to provide the results of extensive research based on verified Eurostat data to explore this research challenge in the V4 countries during the period of 2007-2019. Simultaneously, the objective is to link the country’s economic performance (GDP) to urgent challenges of the contemporary world in the form of sustainability and life quality. In the paper, linear regression, multiple linear regression, and ANOVA were used. A significant impact of the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) on the level of GDP, and the subsequent positive effect of GDP level on sustainability and life quality indicators has been demonstrated. Our research findings propose an unconventional sustainable competitiveness mechanism. The conclusion outlines the direction from improved competitiveness through higher economic performance reinforcing R&D expenditure and high-tech employment to better sustainability and well-being. Moreover, the research results bring initial empirical evidence of the functionality of the proposed mechanism in the V4 countries. Based on this, we can offer policymakers the key research findings pointing at the sustained economic growth accompanied by higher ecology, including life quality. At the same time, the drivers of this development are presented in more detail in our paper.

Analysis of the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in V4 Countries and Their Impact on Competitiveness

“…From the Tables 3 and 4, we can see diversity between fulfillment and changes in the fulfillment of SDGs in V4 countries. This diversity between the V4 countries helps countries to be mutually competitive [36,37] and more competitive than other countries [38]. However, in this paper, we focus primarily on comparing the Global Competitiveness Index with the SDG index.…”

Component Driven of Regional Competitiveness for Urban Development in Central Java Province Indonesia.

“…While the districts around the regional center have a role as a sub-system by providing natural resources and human resources. As stated by [23,24], both of city and district have the role of multi-level governance in shaping regional growth and competitiveness. And the dynamics of investment growth, each region has opportunities for industrial development.…”

Assessing the Key Factors Measuring Regional Competitiveness

“…Life expectancy stands out as a key health indicator, notably in less competitive economies like Croatia, Mexico, Poland, and Romania. Higher life expectancy enhances human capital competitiveness and elevates a country's standing, as seen in indices like the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), which closely correlates with the Human Development Index (HDI), GDP, and gender equality [86]. These findings underscore the significance of life expectancy as a health and social indicator influencing a nation's competitiveness and overall progress [87].…”