Council on Competitiveness

Council on Competitiveness is a non-partisan, non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. dedicated to advancing the economic competitiveness and prosperity of the United States. Founded in 1986, it brings together leaders from academia, industry, and organized labor to address challenges to U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace. The organization conducts research, develops policy recommendations, and fosters public-private collaboration on issues central to innovation, productivity, and long-term economic growth.

History and formation

The organization was established in 1986 during a period of intense concern over the economic rise of Japan and West Germany, which posed significant challenges to American industry. Its creation was championed by a coalition of prominent figures, including John A. Young, then-CEO of Hewlett-Packard, and was supported by the White House under President Ronald Reagan. The founding members represented a unique tripartite alliance of corporate CEOs, leading university presidents, and heads of major labor unions, such as the AFL–CIO. This structure was designed to forge a consensus on national competitiveness strategy beyond the partisan debates of Congress and the federal government. Early work focused on benchmarking U.S. performance against other nations and identifying weaknesses in areas like manufacturing, technology transfer, and human capital.

Mission and objectives

The core mission is to serve as a catalyst for action by setting a national competitiveness agenda that drives productivity and prosperity. Its primary objective is to ensure the United States maintains its position as the world's most innovative and productive economy. This involves advocating for policies and investments that strengthen the nation's innovation ecosystem, from basic research funded by agencies like the National Science Foundation to commercial research and development. A key focus is on developing a highly skilled workforce capable of competing in a knowledge-driven global economy, emphasizing education in STEM fields. The organization also aims to enhance the environment for entrepreneurship and the creation of high-growth companies.

Key initiatives and programs

The organization launches major initiatives to tackle specific competitiveness challenges. Its flagship "National Innovation Initiative" in the early 2000s produced influential reports that shaped policy discussions around innovation. More recent programs include "Make It In America", focusing on revitalizing advanced manufacturing, and "Compete 2.0", which addresses digital infrastructure and the future of work. It regularly publishes influential studies and indexes, such as the "Global Innovation Index" (in partnership with INSEAD and the World Intellectual Property Organization), which benchmarks national performance. The organization also convenes high-level gatherings like the "National Competitiveness Forum" and operates sector-specific projects involving companies like General Electric, Procter & Gamble, and Lockheed Martin.

Organizational structure and leadership

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors composed of approximately 60 leaders from its three constituent pillars: corporate CEOs, university presidents, and labor union leaders. Notable past chairs have included Paul Otellini of Intel, Charles O. Holliday Jr. of Bank of America, and Shirley Ann Jackson of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Day-to-day operations are managed by a professional staff led by a President and CEO; Deborah L. Wince-Smith served in this role for two decades until 2021, succeeded by Chad Evans. Its work is supported by member dues and grants from foundations and government agencies. The organization maintains a small, core staff in Washington, D.C. that coordinates the efforts of numerous member-led task forces and committees.

Impact and criticism

The organization has exerted significant influence on U.S. economic policy, with its recommendations often reflected in legislation and executive actions. Its advocacy has contributed to policy debates on research and development tax credits, immigration reform for high-skilled workers, and funding for agencies like the Department of Energy's ARPA-E. However, it has faced criticism from some quarters for representing elite interests, with skeptics arguing its corporate-led agenda may prioritize the concerns of large multinationals over those of small business or labor. Some progressive critics have also suggested its focus on global competition can overshadow domestic issues like income inequality. Despite this, it remains a unique and influential voice in shaping the long-term discourse on American economic policy and innovation strategy.

Category:Economic policy organizations in the United States Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Organizations established in 1986