European Productivity, Innovation and Competitiveness: The Case of Italy
Electronic Access:
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Summary:
In Italy, price-based competitiveness measures are not always an accurate predictor of trade outcomes. This paper offers a more comprehensive assessment of Italian competitiveness, focusing on the role of innovation and the evolution of Italy’s export market share. Overall, Italy maintains a high-quality export mix, and the adaptability of small-scale specialized firms is still a source of strength. But, small firm size is becoming less of an asset, and even the most innovative sectors are weighed down by the structural barriers that have depressed productivity more broadly. Italy’s future competitiveness will depend on full implementation of a comprehensive structural-reform agenda.
Series:
Working Paper No. 2014/079
Subject:
Competition Export performance Exports Financial markets International trade
English
Publication Date:
May 9, 2014
ISBN/ISSN:
9781484379868/1018-5941
Stock No:
WPIEA2014079
Pages:
23
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