Research Themes

International Competitiveness and Development

Convenor: Associate Professor Michèle Akoorie

The end of the cold war in 1989 has brought radical change to the world economy. One significant change is that competition between nation states is no longer based on ideology; rather the focus has now shifted firmly to ensuring economic competitiveness.The defining thread of this research theme is the concept of creating and maintaining international competitiveness. Such research encompasses a number of topics, ranging widely in scope, which are conceptualised in the following diagram.

At the centre is ongoing work on the competitiveness of the New Zealand economy. At the second level, research explores developments in New Zealand's regional context, that of the Asia-Pacific region. Research at this level provides insights into both the changing nature of the region and the likely interactions of New Zealand business with this significant marketplace. A third level of research analysis concerns comparative research, which can provide valuable lessons for a country such as New Zealand.The outside ring shows research that has global scope and application.

• New Zealand Competitiveness
  Including cluster development and the role of SMEs, FDI and its impact on New Zealand business, New Zealand's response to globalization, trade reform within New Zealand, the competitiveness of specialist food producers and the meat industry
• Asia-Pacific Development
  Including Pacific Island development, privatisation in PNG, poverty reduction in the Asian region, MNE strategies in China, restructuring for competitive advantage within Asian economies.
• Comparative Research
  Including corporatism and institutional investment, comparative labour market policies, comparative culture.
• Global Research
  Including international trade reform, terrorism and the international business environment.

There is considerable potential for future work within this theme as interest in issues of competitiveness and development is increasing.