Reporting on the competitiveness of European industry
A report on the competitiveness of European industry, prepared for the European Commission, DG III, has recently been published. The aim of the report was to examine competitiveness as a key to the success of European industry and the current problems faced by industry in this respect. The competitive strengths and weaknesses of European manufacturing and policy requirements to improve this situation were also examined. The following sections are contained in the report: - The European economy: . Macroeconomic performance; . Technology and innovation; . Access to finance for SMEs: a potential for growth and job creation; - The European manufacturing industry: . Competitiveness and sectoral development: building the links; . Sectoral growth, employment and productivity; . European industries in world markets; . Industrial specialisation and performance; . Global investment and multinational firms. The report concludes with an overview of the competitive strengths and weaknesses of European manufacturing, examining in particular industry structure and competitive performance, as well as economic policy in this context.