Analysis of competitiveness factors in selected European economies

The ability to compete is one of the main predispositions of success on international markets. This thesis called "Analysis of competitiveness factors in selected European economies" focuses on competitiveness of nations, which considerably differs from the competitiveness on a corporate level. Competitiveness of nations is first approached from a theoretical perspective. References of competitiveness among countries and finding their competitive advantages are pointed out in both traditional and modern trade theories. Current indexes and rankings are used to identify countries that can be described as the most competitive at present. Various theories and frameworks such as Porter's Diamond or PESTEL analysis have been used to demonstrate the principle of competitive advantage on Switzerland, which is nowadays one of the most successful economies in the world. Switzerland's factors of competitiveness are mainly based on its innovativeness, R&D capacities, high specialization and high-value-added production. This politically stable country offering an exceptional standard of living can serve as a positive example for many other small countries that try to increase their competitiveness on the global market.