Economy Economic prosperity is a crucial dimension of competitiveness. Economic growth depends to a large extent on the behaviors of consumers and producers, but government activities are also crucial in maintaining economic stability.
Education Quality human resources are important for a competitive economy. Governments should develop effective educational policies that value certain critical elements based on an integrated standard prioritizing equality of opportunity.
Health and Welfare A competitive government should develop an equitable health care and welfare system that provides social safety nets, adopts a life-long approach to health, and supports retirement stability.
Agriculture and Food One of the most basic essentials for life is food. A competitive government needs to effectively intervene in strategic planning and priority setting for agricultural innovation and development, including the provision of incentives for private agents and technical assistance consultants.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) The potential benefits of ICT are well known. However, the costs of ICT infrastructure are typically high, so it is sometimes necessary for government to intervene.
Energy and Environment Economic growth sometimes occurs at the cost of environmental sustainability. A government is responsible for managing national environmental policy to foster sustainable economic development and protect the health and safety of citizens.
Governance Government capacity for each activity area depends on the stability of a country’s political system and civil society. Even for a government that can produce effective public policies, efficient implementation is difficult if the country’s political system and civil society are unstable.
Research and Development Governments play an important role in providing funding for public R&D programs in support of industrial policies or science and technology development strategy. A government can be a financier of R&D activities as well as a performer of R&D itself.
Culture and Tourism Culture can be a driver of economic growth through the promotion of creativity. Many governments are now focusing on cultural development by providing educational opportunities, engaging new audiences, and promoting tolerance and understanding.
Disaster Management Government ability to manage disasters is increasingly important. Facing the increased likelihood of disasters, governments are under pressure to develop more sophisticated risk management systems.
Infrastructure The government’s role to build society’s essential infrastructures may be more important for developing countries as poor infrastructure impedes a country’s development. For this reason, availability of basic infrastructure such as power, water and roads along with a government’s ability to finance new projects are assessed.
Safety Government is responsible for providing necessary security and assure that citizens feel safe from disasters, crimes or physical conflicts with other countries. With rising uncertainties, governments’ ability to deal with unexpected disasters or crimes became increasingly important. Hence, governments are required to devise more sophisticated risk management systems.
