Constraints to the competitiveness of industrial construction. A case study of Venezuelan oil and petrochemical sector

Abstract

The challenges of today's world require individuals and companies to improve their performance levels as a mechanism to achieve better living conditions and a coherent economic and social development. Therefore, one of the main objectives of the European Union is to become the worlds most competitive and dynamic economy based on knowledge, capable to reach sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. Commission of the European Communities (2003). However, even with such a global reference and important examples on international markets, not all local scenarios present the conditions needed to achieve the growth, development and proper use of knowledge. The Venezuelan case, currently widely discussed due to the contradictory currents that analyze national socio-economic performance is one that, on a pattern that seems contrary to global trends, shows signs of weakening of the productive sector. Therefore, in seeking long-term solutions, it is necessary to analyze: What happens with the Venezuelan competitive performance? Why does its industrial sector present a behavior apparently opposed to global trends? What are the limitations that prevent its own players to develop the maximum potential of the country? How can current trends be corrected?