ECON 320 - Competitiveness

Credit Hours: 4
Frequency of Offering: Offered annually in the Fall semester

Competitiveness is the foundation of long-term prosperity for firms, regions, and nations. While policies, infrastructure, and resources all matter, sustainable success depends on the productivity and innovative capacity of
businesses operating within a supportive environment. This course examines the microeconomic drivers of competitiveness-from firm strategy and industry clusters to the quality of the business environment and the role of
institutions. Students will explore how anchor organizations shape regional competitiveness and how lessons from global cases can inform local economic development. Through case discussions, team projects, and applied analysis, students will learn to assess competitiveness, evaluate the impact of public policy and institutions, and design strategic recommendations for industries and regions. Emphasizing experiential and engaged learning, this course challenges students to connect theory with practice, sharpen their analytical and communication skills, and develop a practical understanding of how businesses and stakeholders create and sustain competitive advantage in today’s global economy.

Prerequisite(s): ECON 102 , ECON 103 , and ECON 253