Competitiveness in the European Union. An evaluative study of the Lisbon strategy

In 2000 the leaders of European Union set the Lisbon Agenda. It set a commitment for the European Union to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge based economy in the world in 2010. In 2005 the Lisbon strategy was revised after which both the European Community and the Member States committed themselves to reaching objectives in the many different fields. Competitiveness is an important part of the Lisbon Strategy. However what exactly is competitiveness? What are the factors underlying competitiveness and what does the European Union do to enhance the competitiveness of its countries and regions? This study will look at these questions and furthermore evaluates policies on innovation, R&D and ICT in the Netherlands, Sweden and Spain. It will look at the National Reform Programmes and Progress reports of three countries and determine the relevance, economy and effectiveness of policy.