Responsible Competitiveness: Reshaping Global Markets Through Responsible Business Practices

The result of two years’ research, this December 2005 report argues that responsible business practice is becoming an important driver of national and regional competitiveness. The report features case studies from around the world demonstrating that many industries are now using responsible business practices to establish a competitive edge in their markets and contribute to the growth of their national economy.

Also included are two new research indices:

• The Responsible Competitiveness Index — an investigation of the relationship between corporate responsibility and competitiveness. It reveals which countries are achieving sustainable economic growth based on responsible business practices.
• The National Corporate Responsibility Index — the world’s first assessment of the state of corporate responsibility internationally. The index assesses over 80 countries on criteria including corruption, civic freedom, corporate governance and environmental management to establish a global ranking.

The report goes on to suggest a policy framework to assist governments and businesses in building responsibility issues into their competitiveness strategies. Includes new proposals for policy and further research.