Sustainable Competitive
Table of Contents
7.2 Requirements for Sustainable Competitiveness Sustain able competitive economies/nation-states are characterised by high efficiency – i.e. systems and policies that enable and foster efficiency. We need efficient systems of governance, free of any religious, political or special interest views
Sustainable governance •
Efficient governance systems that have built-in guarantees against authorism with clear assigned and shared responsibilities
•
Direct democracy (citizens can not only elect politicians, but also vote on legislation and policies)
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Efficient legal framework and judicial system that is available and equal for and to all
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Financial markets that serve the real economy, not vice-versa
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Simple tax regime that taxes all forms of income equally. Public services, including health, education and infrastructure, are financed through progressive income taxes
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Harmonised tax rates across regions and countries
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Efficient and well-maintained transport infrastructure, and other public infrastructure (health, education, recreation)
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Corruption prevention
•
Wise allocation of state resources, balancing social, environmental and economic interests
Innovation •
Equal quality education for all, constantly adjusted to changing requirements, including vocational training
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A national/regional economic development strategy/vision supported by government policies, co-ordination, and incentives
•
An environment that supports and rewards investment in R&D
•
Curbing
the
power
of
monopoly-like
entities
Social cohesion •
Universal public health services for all, with additional private health services beyond the basics
•
Respected law enforcement deeply integrated in local communities and related services to curb crime
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Treatment of diseases as diseases, not as crimes (e.g. drug addiction)
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Equal opportunities for all genders, races and minority groups
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New models of employment and public participation in public services in light of increasing automatization (robotics and artificial intelligence)
Resource intensity •
Introducing sustainable balance-sheets for all economic activities (integration of externalities): polluter pays principle for all substances and activities. Cost to the environment and/or society are factored into the cost of all products and services
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