International Competitiveness of China and the United States: Comparative Analysis

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Abstract

The study provides comparative analysis of the competitiveness of two key global economic giants – China and the United States – in 2013 and 2023. The topic is of particular relevance against the background of geopolitical rivalry between the two countries. However, the political confrontation between China and the United States itself is beyond the scope of this paper. The study is based on the analysis of key macroeconomic indicators, the economies’ inclusion in international production systems, as well as the place of the countries in the leading global competitiveness rankings. The paper outlines the factors that determine the competitiveness of China and the United States and forecasts their influence on future competitive positions. Particular emphasis is placed on China. The results of the study show that by 2023 the US has ceded its position of leadership to China in several key macroeconomic indicators. Concurrently, the United States maintains a prominent status in various metrics related to science, education, and environmental sustainability, and also holds higher positions in almost all international rankings of global competitiveness considered.

About the authors

Zoia S. Podoba

St. Petersburg State University

Email: z.podoba@spbu.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1729-903X
PhD (Economics), Associate Professor, School of International Relations St. Petersburg, Russia

Yulia A. Kuznetsova

St. Petersburg State University

Email: st110201@student.spbu.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5818-2714
Post-graduate student, Faculty of Economics St. Petersburg, Russia

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