https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/30629 2026-04-15T08:37:44Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/31526 Title: Foreword Abstract: The main argument on which the book is based is that it is essential for Malta to further build and sustain its international competitiveness in order to achieve its long-term development aspirations. Competitiveness is a multi-faceted phenomenon, which spans economic, social, political and international dimensions, involving all the players in the economy. Competitiveness cannot, in the long run, be sustained unless all the dimensions contributing to it are properly addressed. It is however often the case that these dimensions result in conflicting priorities, especially in the short run where, for example, the attainment of social objectives may conflict with economic efficiency considerations. 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/31509 Title: Malta's competitiveness standing Authors: Briguglio, Lino; Bare, Tendai R. W.; Cordina, Gordon; Endeley, RoseMarie-Rita Abstract: Malta is a small economy with limited resources. The country has, nonetheless, achieved a relatively high standard ofliving. Its future development however depends crucially on a sustained improvement in the competitiveness of its productive base. The Maltese economy has a number of special characteristics which impinge substantially on its competitive strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/31508 Title: A consultative approach for national competitiveness Authors: Briguglio, Lino; Bare, Tendai R. W.; Cordina, Gordon; Endeley, RoseMarie-Rita Abstract: Among the many definitions of competitiveness available, perhaps the most comprehensive is that used by the OECD, which describes the concept as "the degree to which a country can, under free and fair market conditions, produce goods and services which meet the test of international markets, while simultaneously maintaining and expanding the real incomes of its people over the long-term". This definition requires businesses to be successful in the long run without relying on protectionist measures, government subsidies or cheap labour. It underlines the unsustainable nature of any "competitiveness at all cost" strategy. Indeed, if a country needs to rely on policies to hold down local wages and devalue its currency to expand exports, this reflects a lack of competitiveness rather than economic strength. Exports of low priced products, which support only subsistence wages, do not guarantee long-term prosperity. It is the capability to manufacture high-quality products that support rising wages that really matters. The OECD definition thus highlights the roles of knowledge, productive efficiency, entrepreneurship and technological innovation as the crucial factors that are likely to contribute to raising the level of prosperity of people, which can be defined as a combination of the standard of living, accumulation of wealth and quality of life. 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/31506 Title: Introduction [Maximising Malta's competitiveness potential : a consultative process towards development of a national competitiveness strategy] Authors: Briguglio, Lino; Bare, Tendai R. W.; Cordina, Gordon; Endeley, RoseMarie-Rita Abstract: The nee a-for the drawing up of a competitiveness strategy for Malta ha~illng been felt, but so far there has not been an overarching comp~itivenessa.pproaeh. This document is intended to fill this void. Although business enterprises are at the forefront of market competition, their performance is strongly influenced by the economic conditions within the national boundaries within which they operate, invglving~uch factors as macroeconomic stability, skills and technology availability, the efficiency ofresource allocation and overall costJevels. It is thus essential for a country to be competitive in this respect, just as it is important for firms to maintain an edge against _their competitors. 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z