Benchmarking Canada’s Global Competitiveness Initiatives: How Canadian Economic Policy Compares to the German and United Kingdom Models

Abstract

This monograph evaluates the effectiveness of Canada’s policies aimed at promoting the global competitiveness of its industries in light of policies with comparable aims adopted in two other leading industrialized nations, the United Kingdom and Germany. The concept of national competitiveness is reviewed against the background of modern trade theory and the emerging industrial framework of globally fragmented production. The conceptual framework for benchmarking public policies is reviewed, including the frameworks developed by the World Economic Forum, the Institute for Management Development (IMD) and the Conference Board of Canada. The experiences and policy frameworks of Canada are compared to those of Germany and the United Kingdom, and areas are suggested where Canada might benefit from drawing on relevant experience in these countries.