Productivity and competitiveness in Barbados : enterprise and national initiatives

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the enterprise and national initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and competitiveness in Barbados. The institutional background to productivity management in Barbados is first discussed. This is followed by an examination of enterprise and national initiatives and experiences with productivity management and competitiveness. The chapter concludes with a set of suggestions for developing a national productivity management and competitiveness programme for Barbados. The chapter argues that there is need for a greater sustained effort for boosting productivity at the enterprise and national levels in this small island state. The institutions charged with this effort need to establish a national strategic development plan aimed at promoting productivity, growth and development. Such a plan would incorporate programs for enhancing human capital, promoting physical investment, strengthening institutions and maintaining macroeconomic stability.