欧洲CEO与公众的共识_经济竞争力的共同诉求_17页_923kb

BCG European Competitiveness Summary

Core Content

The BCG European Competitiveness Barometer highlights the urgent need for Europe to enhance its economic competitiveness. It outlines the perspectives of both business leaders and citizens on the challenges and potential solutions facing the continent.

Main Points

• Time is running out for Europe: 96% of business leaders and 85% of citizens believe that protecting Europe's commercial interests is essential to avoid severe consequences.
• Liberation Day momentum has not materialized: Business leaders' optimism has decreased, and the window for bold action is closing. The "Liberation Day" event on April 2, 2025, did not lead to the expected changes.
• Citizens and business leaders support more Europe: Over 60% of both groups support a more cooperative approach to strengthen competitiveness. A majority (over 80%) agree that radical change is necessary.
• Business leaders are ready to take public roles: 76% of citizens and 93% of business leaders want leaders to take public roles, but many are still constrained by various barriers.
• Italy shows rising optimism, while other countries see declining confidence: Italy is the only country where optimism is increasing, while confidence is dropping in most other European regions.

Key Takeaways

TAKEAWAY 1: Citizens overwhelmingly support urgent change

• A significant majority of citizens and business leaders agree that Europe must protect its commercial interests and adopt a more balanced approach between consumer protection and promoting domestic production.
• Citizens are more pessimistic than business leaders about Europe's global competitiveness, with a strong sense of urgency to act now.

TAKEAWAY 2: EU momentum is fading

• The decline in competitiveness momentum is attributed to disunity and differing views on the importance of the US trade deal.
• The main reasons for the fading momentum include a lack of unified action and the absence of a clear vision for the future.

TAKEAWAY 3: More Europe is the solution

• Across all countries, respondents see deeper European cooperation as the key to boosting competitiveness.
• Business leaders and citizens agree that a unified financial system, integrated capital markets, and stronger defense integration are necessary for Europe's future.

TAKEAWAY 4: Cross-sector priorities for competitiveness

• New technologies: 86% of business leaders and 82% of citizens support targeted fiscal incentives and a DARPA-style agency for high-risk innovation.
• Energy: 89% of business leaders and 87% of citizens advocate for a diverse decarbonized energy mix and a unified European grid.
• Investment and financing: 84% of business leaders and 88% of citizens call for harmonized banking regulations and integrated capital markets.
• Defense: 83% of business leaders and 85% of citizens support making defense a strategic asset and accelerating cooperation.
• Supply and strategic sovereignty: 85% of business leaders and 88% of citizens want to reduce external dependencies and strengthen key sectors within supply chains.

TAKEAWAY 5: Citizens call for pragmatic leadership

• Citizens expect a new generation of pragmatic leaders who understand current geopolitical and economic realities.
• They believe business leaders should take a more active and vocal role in shaping Europe's economic future.
• Despite this, business leaders are hesitant to engage in public roles due to several barriers, including reputational risks, lack of formal mandates, shareholder pressure, and fear of political retaliation.

Summary of Business Leaders' Support for Key Priorities

• Permit emergence of European champions: 87%
• Reduce tax burden: 87%
• Make the labor market more flexible: 87%
• Simplify regulation: 86%
• Ensure balanced competition: 84%
• Reduce public spending: 81%

Conclusion

The BCG report underscores the critical need for Europe to act decisively and collaboratively to maintain its economic competitiveness. Both citizens and business leaders recognize the urgency and are calling for a radical transformation of the EU's approach. However, the path forward requires overcoming significant barriers and fostering a more unified and proactive stance from business leaders in public and political spheres.