Case | HBS Case Collection | 2009 (Revised from original 2007 version)

European Integration: Meeting the Competitiveness Challenge

by Michael E. Porter and Christian H.M. Ketels

Abstract

The case discusses the origins and development of the European Integration process up to 2004, focusing in particular on the Lisbon Agenda for upgrading Europe's competitiveness. It discusses the different policy areas that have been approached at the European level over time, and provides background on the architecture of European institutions. The case enables students to understand how European integration has affected competitiveness across the continent's regions. It provides a platform to discuss why the Lisbon Agenda has up to 2004 failed to achieve its goals and what European integration experience can serve as a model for other world regions.

Keywords: Integration; Globalized Economies and Regions; Competition; Development Economics; Global Range; Policy; Failure; European Union; Portugal; Europe;

Citation:

Porter, Michael E., and Christian H.M. Ketels. "European Integration: Meeting the Competitiveness Challenge." Harvard Business School Case 708-421, April 2009. (Revised from original December 2007 version.)