Northern Europe as a Role Model : Successful Enterprise in a Globalising Economy

Does Northern Europe possess unique characteristics that cannot disappear and do not need to disappear, or will globalisation inevitably result in uniformity, divested businesses, lower wages and huge pressure on social security provisions? This is one of the main questions addressed by this book, which is the result of a research programme undertaken by the Lectorate International Business of the Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen. The process of globalisation is one of the defining trends of recent decades. Companies now spread their production activities and sell their products worldwide, investors operate globally, entrepreneurs have to contend with competitors on the other side of the world and there is labour migration and immigration. Within this globalisation process we are witnessing the emergence of regions with unique characteristics and specialisations – regions that often defy national borders. When evaluating potential business locations, companies look at regional characteristics. Should we opt for Northern Europe or Southern Europe, should we set up business premises somewhere in Southeast Asia, would China be preferable, or should we seek business premises in the Southern or Northern Netherlands?In this book this so-called ‘glocalisation' process is discussed in relation to the debate regarding the way economic systems are structured. What is the best way for us to reshape our society and our businesses in response to globalisation and the associated challenges such as demographic developments, computerization and the struggle to preserve natural resources (sustainability)? At the moment our economies appear to be trapped in an unhealthy status quo that cannot resolve the economic challenges that now confront them, hence the assiduous search for a new and different analytical framework, a new paradigm for business management and government administration