The World Knowledge Competitiveness Index is based on 17 measures of economic performance that indicate a region’s ability to translate its knowledge capacity into economic value.
Some of the measures include the number of information technology, computer manufacturing, biotechnology and engineering employees per capita; the number of patents registered per capita; labor productivity; research and development expenditures; monthly earnings; unemployment rates; and investments in education at all levels.
The firm defines knowledge competitiveness as a region’s capacity and ability to create new ideas, thoughts, processes and products, and to translate them into economic value and wealth.
Tokyo, at No. 15, is the highest ranked non-U.S. region, with Stockholm, Sweden (No. 18 ), the first European city in the rankings.
For a copy of the study, contact Robert Huggins Associates at info@hugginsassociates.com, or visit its Web site at www.hugginsassociates.com.
Ford, Mazda to Upgrade Operation in Thailand
Ford Motor Co. and its affiliate, Mazda Motor Corp., will invest $500 million to expand production and support new vehicle programs at a joint venture in Thailand.
AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT), established in 1995 at an initial cost of $500 million, has proved to be a “sound and rewarding investment” for Ford, said William Clay Ford Jr., chairman and CEO of the automaker.
“Within the next three years, AAT will embark on a growth plan driven by new vehicle programs, with investments in facility upgrades, additional tooling and engineering, as well as an expansion of the plant’s capacity to 200,000 units up from the current 135,000,” Ford said in a statement.
Finland is Cleanest Country, Survey Indicates
Finland comes out the cleanest on the 2003 Corruption Perceptions Index compiled by Transparency International. Iceland, Denmark, New Zealand and Singapore round out the top five.
The organization ranked 133 nations based on perceived corruption among politicians and public officials.
Bangladesh, at No. 133, was rated the most corrupt. Corruption was also perceived to be pervasive in Nigeria, Haiti, Paraguay and Myanmar.
The United States tied with Ireland for No. 18.
The index points to high levels of corruption in countries both rich and poor, said Peter Engen, chairman of Transparency International.
Developed countries must enforce international conventions to curb bribery, and private businesses must fulfill their obligations under the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development’s Anti-Bribery Convention, he added.
Means the article is accessible only to our magazine subscribers.
