Synopses & Reviews
The onset of the global financial crisis and the ensuing exit of capital from Latin America reminds us all of the competitive weaknesses still plaguing the region in spite of its recent six year economic boom (2003-2008). In a global economy now characterized by risk intolerance and limited credit, can Latin America compete for its share of resources? Many argue that macroeconomic and trade reforms achieved in the 1990s merely put a handsome coat of paint over education, labor, judicial, and administrative reforms that remain incomplete. This book identifies and analyzes ten factors that most influence the competitiveness of Latin American nations and will shape their economic futures. In their frank and direct assessment--pulling no punches--the authors also present viable courses of action that Latin America can take to increase its ability to compete in the global economy.
Review
"[The authors] have edited what is clearly the most extensive, detailed and useful book on competitiveness in Latin America. The book features an impressive roster of experts that analyze the key areas where Latin America needs to improve its competitiveness--ranging from education and labor markets to property rights, legal reform and security."--
Latin Business Chronicle "…a skillful contribution to the ongoing debate over how to achieve competitiveness and how countries in the region can face the challenges presented by globalization."--Luis Alberto Moreno, president, Inter-American Development Bank
"A state-of-the-art volume on the forces and factors shaping Latin America's competitiveness. Academics, business people, and policymakers will find this brilliant work indispensable." --Stephen Flowers, President, UPS International, Americas Region
"This is an important book for those who track the regions performance. Using case studies, the authors cogently illustrate many of the issues that weaken the regions competitiveness."--Roberto Newell G., CEO, Mexican Competitiveness Institute (IMCO)
"...a tour de force on Latin America's competitive environment. Analytically brilliant and cogently written, this volume is must reading for those interested in globalization's impact on the Western Hemisphere."--Susan Segal, President and CEO, Council of the Americas
"Can Latin America Compete? offers thoughtful analyses on the problems of the region and provides valuable insights for every company that conducts business in Latin America." --Eugenio Beaufrand, Vice-President, Microsoft Corporation"Private sector best practices and public-private partnerships are two key drivers of competitiveness. The book presents a state-of-art picture of the region on these topics and relevant suggestions on how to move forward."--José Fernando Mattos, CEO, Brazilian Competitiveness Movement (MBC) "Editors Haar and Price have compiled a well-researched collection that examines Latin America's response to globalization and factors critical to the region's ability to compete globally... This volume is cogently argued and offers useful facts and analyses... Recommended." —CHOICE
Review
"[The authors] have edited what is clearly the most extensive, detailed and useful book on competitiveness in Latin America. The book features an impressive roster of experts that analyze the key areas where Latin America needs to improve its competitiveness--ranging from education and labor markets to property rights, legal reform and security."--
Latin Business Chronicle "…a skillful contribution to the ongoing debate over how to achieve competitiveness and how countries in the region can face the challenges presented by globalization."--Luis Alberto Moreno, president, Inter-American Development Bank
"A state-of-the-art volume on the forces and factors shaping Latin America's competitiveness. Academics, business people, and policymakers will find this brilliant work indispensable." --Stephen Flowers, President, UPS International, Americas Region
"This is an important book for those who track the regions performance. Using case studies, the authors cogently illustrate many of the issues that weaken the regions competitiveness."--Roberto Newell G., CEO, Mexican Competitiveness Institute (IMCO)
"...a tour de force on Latin America's competitive environment. Analytically brilliant and cogently written, this volume is must reading for those interested in globalization's impact on the Western Hemisphere."--Susan Segal, President and CEO, Council of the Americas
"Can Latin America Compete? offers thoughtful analyses on the problems of the region and provides valuable insights for every company that conducts business in Latin America." --Eugenio Beaufrand, Vice-President, Microsoft Corporation"Private sector best practices and public-private partnerships are two key drivers of competitiveness. The book presents a state-of-art picture of the region on these topics and relevant suggestions on how to move forward."--José Fernando Mattos, CEO, Brazilian Competitiveness Movement (MBC) "Editors Haar and Price have compiled a well-researched collection that examines Latin America's response to globalization and factors critical to the region's ability to compete globally... This volume is cogently argued and offers useful facts and analyses... Recommended." —CHOICE
Synopsis
With dynamic growth in China and India, recovery in Europe and Japan, and notable gains in U.S. productivity, the question arises: Can Latin America compete? Many argue that macroeconomic and trade reforms achieved in the 1990s merely put a handsome coat of paint over education, labor, judicial, and administrative reforms that remain incomplete. This book identifies and analyzes ten factors that most influence the competitiveness of Latin American nations and will shape their economic futures. In their frank and direct assessment--pulling no punches--the authors also present viable courses of action that Latin America can take to increase its ability to compete in the global economy.
Synopsis
With dynamic growth in China and India, recovery in Europe and Japan, and notable gains in U.S. productivity, the question arises: Can Latin America compete? Many argue that macroeconomic and trade reforms achieved in the 1990s merely put a handsome coat of paint over education, labor, judicial, and administrative reforms that remain incomplete. This book identifies and analyzes ten factors that most influence the competitiveness of Latin American nations and will shape their economic futures. In their frank and direct assessment--pulling no punches--the authors also present viable courses of action that Latin America can take to increase its ability to compete in the global economy.
About the Author
Jerry Haar is Associate Dean and Professor of Management and International Business in the College of Business Administration, Florida International University. John Price is President of InfoAmericas, a market intelligence and strategic consulting firm with a specialty practice in Latin American markets.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Can Latin America Compete?--John Price and Jerry Haar *
The Macroeconomic Environment of Competitiveness--Claudio Loser *
Coveting Human Capital--Jeff Puryear and Tamara Ortega Goodspeed *
Competitive Capital Markets--John Welch *
Consumer and Small Business Credit--Jan Smith, Tricia Juhn, and Christopher Humphrey *
Closing the Technology Gap--Peter Knight and Rosane Marques *
Fostering Innovation--Isabel Bortagaray and Scott Tiffin *
Return on Infrastructure Investment--Lee Tablewski *
Logistics and Transport Services--John Price *
Legal Reform--Linn Hammergren *
Property, the Rule of Law, and Development in the Americas--Peter Schaefer and Clayton Schaefer *
Tax Reform--Mauricio Carrizosa *
Labor Reform--Christopher Sabatini *
Regulatory Reform--Luis Guasch and Benjamin Herzberg *
Public Safety--John Price *
Lessons Learned and Looking Forward--Jerry Haar and John Price