Competitiveness of Visegrad countries

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine issues surrounding the competitiveness of the Visegrad countries that have recently joined the European Union, and in particular, to analyse a set of structural indicators that help assess the degree to which they are meeting the terms of the Lisbon agreement.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is to examine and analyse published economic and associated performance data.

Findings

The Visegrad countries lag behind in many of the structural indicators and thus have progress to make in raising their competitiveness to general European levels. There are also some surprising areas where these counties are in advance of general European levels – such as in technical education.

Practical implications

The paper suggests areas where governments might intervene to improve longer‐term competitiveness.

Originality/value

The paper performs a useful analysis of available data to highlight key policy areas and issues.

Citation

Kadeřábková, A. (2008), "Competitiveness of Visegrad countries", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 57 No. 6, pp. 474-487. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410400810893419