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Rethinking National Competitiveness: A Critical Assessment of Governmental Capacity Measures

Author

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  • Tobin Im

    (Seoul National University)

  • Youngmi Choi

    (Chonnam National University)

Abstract

Scholars, policymakers, and media have increasingly focused on national competitiveness in the context of globalization and economic growth. This heightened attention underscores the importance of the many indices ranking government performance and effectiveness across countries. The four indices, government efficiency, public institutions, government effectiveness, and quality of government, have dominated this field. However, we found serious limitations they reveal, in terms of analytical soundness and policy relevance and usefulness. This paper systematically provides such a critique and lays the groundwork for thinking about government capacity in a new way: in terms of government competitiveness. So doing, this paper contributes to the literature about national competitiveness, governance quality, administrative reform, and development studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Tobin Im & Youngmi Choi, 2018. "Rethinking National Competitiveness: A Critical Assessment of Governmental Capacity Measures," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 135(2), pages 515-532, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:135:y:2018:i:2:d:10.1007_s11205-016-1494-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-016-1494-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Qazi, Abroon, 2023. "Exploring Global Competitiveness Index 4.0 through the lens of country risk," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 196(C).
    2. Ranđelović Saša & Martinović Nikola, 2022. "National Competitiveness and Foreign Direct Investment in Emerging Europe," Economic Themes, Sciendo, vol. 60(1), pages 21-40, March.
    3. Khan, Muhammad Salar, 2022. "Absorptive capacities and economic growth in low- and middle-income economies," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 156-188.
    4. Muhammad Salar Khan, 2021. "Absorptive capacities and economic growth in low and middle income economies," Papers 2109.11550, arXiv.org.

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