The Determinants of International Competitiveness

Competitiveness, both on the micro- and the macroeconomic scale, is at present acquiring key importance for the economic progress of each country. At present the increase in international competitiveness is one of the most important developmental challenges for many countries. This paper tries to synthesize existing classifications of the competitiveness determinants and shows changes in the character of competition. From the great variety of these classifications one common point is emerging for consideration. Nowadays, competitiveness is not restricted only to competition in prices and costs. The quality factors begin to play a much more important role. In parallel with the changing competition character, evolution from the hard competitiveness determinants to the soft ones is observed. It is also worth stressing that unique production factors, created by man, are being taken into account much more than the traditional ones.