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Capitalising on Culture, Competing on Difference: Innovation, Learning and Sense of Place in a Globalising Ireland
After two decades of exceptional economic growth and cultural change, Ireland faces the greatest challenge creating a sustainable competitive advantage to guarantee its success in the future. Finbarr Bradley and James Kennelly recommend a renewed sense of national identity as social and cultural capital to maintain and enhance Ireland's economic development.
351 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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December 23, 2020
'Capitalising on Culture, Competing on Difference' was published in 2008, just as Ireland – and the world – was plunging into an unprecedented economic crisis. This caused the country to question many of the assumptions that had underpinned economic policy and growth at the time. Once again we are in a time of global crisis and the lessons from this insightful book are as relevant as they were 12 years ago.
As one can tell form the title, the book's authors recognize that a country's culture is part of the national capital – a resource if you will. And from that standpoint, a more broadminded approach towards economic development can be adopted.
The book takes as its starting point the Gaelic Revival of the late 19th century, when Irish intellectuals from many disciplines looked to restore the unique culture and language of the country, after it had been devastated by the famine earlier in the century. The goal of the revival was to unlock Ireland's untapped potential, which was felt to be ingrained in its culture.
As the book chronicles it, the initial progress in reviving interest in Irish culture in fields such as business and academia weren't successfully maintained. Ironically this was particularly so after the country gained independence in 1922. But the authors argue that there is an opportunity to pick up where the revival left off, in the globalized world of the 21st century.
Trying to fit in indistinguishable from one's competitors in a homogenized world hardly conveys an advantage. But that is how Ireland has been gradually positioning itself on the World stage. Apart from a low rate of corporate tax, Ireland is doing relatively little to attract investment. It's true that in the past being an English-speaking country may have been an advantage, but these days it seems everyone speaks English along with their own language (and several others too). The Irish can only speak English. That's a disadvantage.
The benefits of restoring Ireland's cultural traditions are explored, including aspects such as quality of life. The intriguing role of the Irish language in particular is examined. Other similar sized countries have retained their own unique languages e.g. Denmark and Finland to name just two. These are examples of nations that have carved a niche for themselves in the world economy and enjoy a standard of living higher than Ireland.
The point is also made that an indigenous language can act as an effective filter for external influences in a positive way, and so can be an agent for local innovation and independent thinking.
Reform of the education system is identified as vital to Ireland's future prosperity. The present curriculum is seen as narrow and outdated, best suited to preparing students for the workplace and little else. There is little or no effort to foster creativity in our youth. But without realizing our creative potential, how can the country innovate in a globalized economy where innovation is central to sustained prosperity? The book presents a strong case for fundamental change.
Foreign companies in search of lower tax rates will come and go, but a unique culture adds to the wealth of a country. Think of it as "fixed capital", while the benefits of foreign investment are more akin to "short term cash flow".
More long-term thinking is vital to the country's prosperity. And 'Capitalising on Culture...' brings much needed fresh thinking to the debate about the direction the country can aspire to go in. It brings together many strands of its argument in a very well thought out way and suggests a blueprint of what the country could aspire to be in the coming years.
As one can tell form the title, the book's authors recognize that a country's culture is part of the national capital – a resource if you will. And from that standpoint, a more broadminded approach towards economic development can be adopted.
The book takes as its starting point the Gaelic Revival of the late 19th century, when Irish intellectuals from many disciplines looked to restore the unique culture and language of the country, after it had been devastated by the famine earlier in the century. The goal of the revival was to unlock Ireland's untapped potential, which was felt to be ingrained in its culture.
As the book chronicles it, the initial progress in reviving interest in Irish culture in fields such as business and academia weren't successfully maintained. Ironically this was particularly so after the country gained independence in 1922. But the authors argue that there is an opportunity to pick up where the revival left off, in the globalized world of the 21st century.
Trying to fit in indistinguishable from one's competitors in a homogenized world hardly conveys an advantage. But that is how Ireland has been gradually positioning itself on the World stage. Apart from a low rate of corporate tax, Ireland is doing relatively little to attract investment. It's true that in the past being an English-speaking country may have been an advantage, but these days it seems everyone speaks English along with their own language (and several others too). The Irish can only speak English. That's a disadvantage.
The benefits of restoring Ireland's cultural traditions are explored, including aspects such as quality of life. The intriguing role of the Irish language in particular is examined. Other similar sized countries have retained their own unique languages e.g. Denmark and Finland to name just two. These are examples of nations that have carved a niche for themselves in the world economy and enjoy a standard of living higher than Ireland.
The point is also made that an indigenous language can act as an effective filter for external influences in a positive way, and so can be an agent for local innovation and independent thinking.
Reform of the education system is identified as vital to Ireland's future prosperity. The present curriculum is seen as narrow and outdated, best suited to preparing students for the workplace and little else. There is little or no effort to foster creativity in our youth. But without realizing our creative potential, how can the country innovate in a globalized economy where innovation is central to sustained prosperity? The book presents a strong case for fundamental change.
Foreign companies in search of lower tax rates will come and go, but a unique culture adds to the wealth of a country. Think of it as "fixed capital", while the benefits of foreign investment are more akin to "short term cash flow".
More long-term thinking is vital to the country's prosperity. And 'Capitalising on Culture...' brings much needed fresh thinking to the debate about the direction the country can aspire to go in. It brings together many strands of its argument in a very well thought out way and suggests a blueprint of what the country could aspire to be in the coming years.
Displaying 1 of 1 review