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“Continuous
improvement toward global competitiveness includes the measurement
of growth in human capital. Therefore, the measurement of the total
population's inclusion in education and social development, social
values, as well as competitive skill development, must be benchmarked
against global standards.”
“Status of Global Economic Competitiveness," Kolaborativo
(Curaçao's Commerce, Union, and Government Initiative for Social
Dialogue.”)
The term that best encapsulates our strategy for Curaçao's
development is "Education & Sophistication." But this
strategy is more than a slogan. It is a tangible roadmap for development
success.
This strategy of "Education and Sophistication" requires
an immediate two-pronged approach from a development point of view:
a focus on developing the education industry and attracting the sophisticated
tourist. Investment in these two initiatives will create a corresponding
demand in their respective sectors but also will create demand and
opportunities in the business services and entertainment sectors.
When put together, the result is a cluster strategy of that includes
a focus on Education, the Curaçao Experience, Niche Tourism,
and Specialized Business Services.
The Cluster Strategy
A cluster strategy is envisioned to unify and stimulate Curaçao's
development. This cluster strategy focuses on four main clusters:
A Focus on
Education
Nurturing the
Curaçao Experience
Specialized
Business Services
Niche Tourism
However, the synergies created by these clusters have a direct affect
on the following sectors:
Transportation
& Logistics
IT/e-Commerce
Commercial,
Residential, Retail
It is important to note that the economic
multipliers do not begin and end with education or even these clusters.
In fact they both leverage and support the transportation/logistics
and teleCommunication sectors. In particular, the airport supports
the inflow of students, teachers and parents needed to support the
education sector and this demand increases the need for airlift. As
the workforce becomes more educated, and therefore more competitive,
transshipments increase, leveraging and expanding port facilities,
telecom, and eCommerce. Increased travelers to the island support
international fashion and shopping. Education enriches the cultural
experience, attracting more tourists and retirees and creating a brand
as an outcome of success. Education and tourism exposes the island
to more tourists and immigrants spawning retail and residential development. |