MTI poses 5 strategic questions for the presidential candidates

Friday, 19 December 2014 01:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

As part of their continuous thought leadership initiative, the international strategy consultancy MTI, has identified the five most economically pressing strategic questions for the presidential candidates.

What really is our competitive advantage as a nation? Which sectors should we focus on given our capabilities and the global opportunities? How can we align our entire ‘educational supply chain’ to enable this? (this requires radical structural changes)

How to improve national productivity? This is only possible if we work on the competencies, culture, motivation and mindset that are needed to engage and improve human performance.

How to ensure that national economic development permeates down to and ‘touches’ the bottom of the pyramid? This requires Sri Lankan businesses to set up ventures that create regional employment, not just big deals on the stock market! There must be strong incentives and disincentives to ensure this.

How to achieve a quantum leap in our exports – because this is the only real way that we can ‘earn’ from the world to pay for what we ‘spend’ on imports? This requires strategically radical changes, while ensuring the interests of SMEs are taken care of. ( A very delicate balance to achieve).

How to create a positive psychological environment which ensures law and order, human respect and dignity? This will help Sri Lanka to harness the best of our human resources and that in turn will contribute to economic development. At least, let’s start this now with ‘Generation Next’.