The competitiveness index of Czech Regions

Abstract

This paper deals with the competitiveness of regions and its possible measuring using composite indicators. Advantages of a composite index are that it summarizes more dimensions of competitiveness and the results can be comprehensibly interpreted for the public. The aims of this paper are to evaluate and compare the competitiveness of Czech regions based on the 3-Factor model. The evaluation is performed using a composite index which includes 14 partial indicators. These indicators are divided into three groups - input factors, output factors and outcome factors. Individual regions of the Czech Republic are thus first compared based on the factors and then based on the total score. The total score expresses the regional competitiveness in relation to the competitiveness of the Czech Republic as a whole. The main year evaluated is the year 2012. We also compared the results to the year 2008. The most competitive region is Prague (it does not do well in output factors only), but also the South Moravian, Central Bohemia and Pilsen regions are highly competitive. The least competitive regions are the Ústí, Karlovy Vary and Vysočina regions.