European Productivity, Innovation and Competitiveness: The Case of Italy

May 9, 2014

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

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.

Subject: Competition, Export performance, Exports, Financial markets, International trade

Keywords: CMSA, Competition, competitiveness, competitiveness indicator, destination mix, export, export mix, Export performance, export prowess, export share, exports, Global, Italy, market share, price, productivity challenge, shift share analysis, tradable sector, underlying competitiveness, WP

Pages:
23
Volume:
2014
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5089/9781484379868.001
Issue:
079
Series:
Working Paper No. 2014/079
Stock No:
WPIEA2014079
ISBN:
9781484379868
ISSN:
1018-5941

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