Can France follow Sweden?
Interest by continental Europe in the Nordic/Scandinavian model shows no sign of abating. See for example Eric Le Boucher's recent piece in Le Monde, Suivre le modèle suédois? (Follow the Swedish model). A translation was posted as 'Flexicurity': A Hybrid Anglo-Saxon/European model, by way of Uppsala? Boucher praises Sweden's approach to restructuring, as explained by Thomas Östros, the Swedish minister of industry and trade:
This "renewal strategy", sums up Thomas Östros, is composed of three components: (1) an openness to competition and the forces of change; (2) a massive drive to support innovation, universities, and research; and (3) a state that remains strong, but that has been completely retailored [adapté].
Boucher asks: "Is it possible to copy Sweden?" While he has objections, Östros disagrees:
"It's neither a question of size, nor of morale," retorts the Swedish minister, "but one of model" -- that is, of a coordinated strategy of structural reforms. The key is not to change mentalities, but to propose "lots of State and lots of free market, both together [beaucoup d'Etat et beaucoup de marché, les deux ensemble]."
"France and Sweden are very close," he adds, "a strong state, the same industrial structure. We have demonstrated that we can fight and preserve many industries in our country. And create many jobs in related services."
Apologies if the translation is a bit rough. The piece is also worth reading for the numerous comments below the fold, specially on 'flexicurity'. (Hat tip: The Brussels Journal piece Myth of the Scandinavian Model). More on the Nordic model tomorrow...
One thing that is a little strange, in most EU debates at the moment it is Denmark which seems to be most cited in relation to 'flexicurity'. This has an interesting piece on the topic:
http://www.theepc.be/TEWN/pdf/720902918_EPC%20Working%20Paper%2020%20The%20Nordic%20Model%20a%20recipe%20for%20European%20success.pdf
Posted by: Edward Hugh | Wednesday, December 07, 2005 at 07:37 AM
Sorry, I've made a mess, maybe this will work better.
I was being lazy :).
Posted by: Edward Hugh | Wednesday, December 07, 2005 at 07:47 AM
I can only say that I find this very interesting indeed ... more to follow at my blog later on!
Posted by: Claus Vistesen | Wednesday, December 07, 2005 at 09:09 AM
... Talking in terms of "model" is indeed the right approach. Prosperity does not depend on having a specific level of wages or taxes, but it is a result of a legal, educational, political, ... comprehensive platform. So cheers to those who talk about "models" rather than about specific narrow issues.
On the other hand, why talk only about the Swedish model??? Isn't there a Bavarian model in Germany (or rather a Alpine model covering Switzerland, Austria, and some parts of Italy)? And, if we were less racist, should we look at how hi-income Asian countries (such as Singapore and the now rebounding Japan) are tackling Chinese competition?
What we need is a healthy, wide, and no-holds-barred discussion about where we want to stand in 20 years.
Posted by: o berlage | Saturday, December 10, 2005 at 12:31 PM