Australia holds a unique position as one of the world′s wealthiest and most stable capitalist economies. Rich in mineral resources and agriculture, it is also one of the most industrialised of nations and a major exporter to the rest of the Asia–Pacific region and the rest of the world.
But how does Australia stack up competitively against other major players, such as China, the United States, the EU and emerging powerhouses such as India and Brazil? What should business strategists and investors, both within and outside of Australia, know about that nation′s competitive strengths and weaknesses?
The most comprehensive analysis of Australian competitiveness ever undertaken, this book provides answers to those and other critical questions about Australia′s current and future economic prospects.
Inspired by a landmark study commissioned by CPA Australia, one of the world′s largest accounting bodies, Australia′s Competitiveness explores the hard data behind the news reports to offer the most comprehensive picture yet of the Australian economy on an array of critical issues, such as integration with Asia, benchmarking against other countries, skills and business capabilities, costs of doing business, industrial relations, and much more.
Offering priceless insights into major trends and factors that drive and detract from Australia′s competitiveness, this book:
- Captures the thinking of more than 6,000 business leaders both within and outside of Australia
- Analyses 76 key attributes of the Australian economy and Australian industry
- Uniquely provides by–industry assessments of the drivers of competitiveness of all key industry sectors
- Applies an original competitiveness model at the core of groundbreaking competitiveness research that Michael Enright has done on twenty other countries over the past quarter century
- Analyses competitiveness features that business decision makers deem most important to how Australia performs against competitor nations
- Reveals how Australia has weathered the global financial crisis and what will determine its performance as a global competitor in the rocky times ahead
Offering the most detailed picture yet of Australia′s global competitive profile, Australia′s Competitiveness provides invaluable insights and powerful prescriptions for company strategists and government policymakers seeking to make the most of Australia′s special global position.
“This excellent and timely analysis of Australia′s economic situation clearly identifies how we can, and must, move to the next stage of advanced competitiveness if we are to fully capitalise on our favourable regional location. This book provides the definitive road map for a better future.”
The Hon. Richard Alston, former Federal Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (1996 2003), and former Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2005 2008)
“An excellent analysis of a hugely important and complex issue. The implications for the workforce, educators, and employers are made particularly clear a must–read for all those who agree ′competitiveness is everyone′s business′ if Australia is to improve its standard of living in a fast moving and competitive world.”
Andrew Banks, Chairman, Talent2
“This book takes in more than 6,000 survey responses on Australia′s competitiveness, making it a comprehensive and useful resource. Acting on the suggestions for workforce development and for the development of the knowledge–innovation economy that are presented in this book will help to protect and enhance Australia′s standing as a global leader in the knowledge economy.”
Professor Tim Brailsford, Vice Chancellor and President, Bond University
“At last, someone has made sense of Australia′s competitiveness in facts and figures. This book makes it clear that for Australia to be competitive and productive into the future all parties will need to work together. Business and political leaders, policymakers and others will find this book helpful in figuring out what can be done to make Australia a better place in which to live and work.”
Geoffrey Hill, Chairman, Mount Gibson Iron
“Michael Enright and Richard Petty articulate very well the challenges of an economy that needs to adapt to a changing global environment. The risk of complacency represents a challenge to Australia′s future growth and prosperity. This book may be the most honest assessment I′ve seen in showing Australia how to prevent a dramatic reversal of fortune. I fear the consequences of ignoring such advice.”
Brett King, bestselling author of Bank 3.0
About the Author
Michael J. Enright, PhD, MBA, AB (Hons.), is Sun Hung Kai Properties Professor at the School of Business of the University of Hong Kong, Director of Asia–Pacific Competitiveness Programmes at the Hong Kong Institute of Economics and Business Strategy, and Director of Enright, Scott & Associates Ltd., a strategy consultancy. He has directed competitiveness studies in more than twenty countries and has advised numerous governments, major corporations, and multilateral organisations on six continents. He was a founder of The Competitiveness Institute, a global professional body with more than 2,000 members in over 100 countries.
Richard Petty, PhD, MCom (Hons.), BCom (Hons.), FCPA (Life), FAICD, is a Professor and Executive Director International at the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Chairman of The Australian Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong & Macau, a Past President and Chairman of CPA Australia, and chairman or director of several other companies. Professor Petty has more than twenty years of consulting experience and has advised numerous governments, major corporations, and multilateral organisations on doing business in Asia, particularly in China.
CPA Australia has a history that dates back to 1886, and today represents more than 144,000 finance, accounting and business professionals in 127 countries. While nearly 70 per cent of those reside in Australia, the organisation has been active in Asia since the early 1950s. It has nine offices and more than 30,000 members in the region. CPA Australia is committed to creative engagement with governments and their agencies, on behalf of its membership and in the broader public interest, to encourage the economic and social policies that foster improved productivity and competitiveness.
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