Competitiveness in the Real Economy

’In his new book Competitiveness in the Real Economy, Rui Vinhas da Silva provides a rounded, multi-disciplinary perspective linking national competitiveness, economics and management. His emphasis is on value aggregation as a key driver of national competitiveness across sectors in the real economy. The author challenges other approaches that underplay the role and responsibility of entrepreneurs in aggregating value and stigmatize labour. He then explores the links between productivity and national competitiveness, acknowledging that the nature and dynamics of contemporary global competition requires a sharper focus on value aggregation. The role of exports and the attraction of foreign direct investment inflows in building national GDP are examined, as well as the notion that culture, being cosmopolitan and understanding aspirational and discriminatory consumers with high disposable income are key drivers of success in the global economy. The author highlights the limitations of current economics in responding to contemporary challenges, and acknowledges that the complexity of economic development problems comes from diversity and the heterogeneity of global actors. The book concludes by addressing the implications of these issues in terms of how the management skills needed for competitive advantage might be best developed.’ Joseph F. Hair, Jr, Founder & Senior Scholar, DBA Program, Kennesaw State University USA