COMPETITIVENESS IN THE 21ST CENTURY: TRANSFORMATION OF THEORETICAL APPROACHES AND MANAGEMENT PARADIGMS

Анотація

The article establishes that competitiveness in the 21st century has acquired a profound systemic meaning, moving beyond traditional economic models to become a paramount indicator of resilience, innovation-driven growth, and strategic adaptability for both enterprises and national economies. The study reveals the evolution of theoretical foundations — tracing the trajectory from classical doctrines of absolute and comparative advantages by Adam Smith and David Ricardo to sophisticated systemic, innovative, and digital theories of the contemporary era. The research synthesizes key tenets of neoclassical, Keynesian, institutional, resource-based (RBV), and dynamic capability approaches. This reflects a fundamental paradigm shift from a static, production-oriented interpretation of efficiency toward a dynamic model characterized by the interaction of tacit knowledge, disruptive innovation, and exponential technology. It is established that while the 20th-century framework primarily viewed competitiveness as a function of tangible resource efficiency and cost optimization, the 21st century necessitates a transition toward an integrated, holistic model. Within this landscape, the primary drivers of sustainable advantage include deep digitalization, high-value human capital, robust innovation ecosystems, and proactive socio-environmental responsibility (ESG). Furthermore, the paper discloses the pivotal role of transformative concepts, such as the Dynamic Capabilities Theory, the Triple Helix model, and the "Blue Ocean" strategy. These frameworks define new management guidelines centered on long-term value creation. The study summarizes that competitiveness today is a synergistic outcome of economic, social, and digital imperatives. Maintaining a competitive edge requires advanced systemic management rooted in organizational flexibility, the intellectualization of business processes, and the principles of sustainable development. These findings establish a robust theoretical foundation for future research into enterprise strategies and public policies aimed at bolstering national competitiveness amidst global transformations and geopolitical volatility. Keywords: competitive advantages, scientific approaches, evolution of economic thought, digitalization, management paradigms, global economy, sustainable development, human capital.

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