CPA Australia has launched a major research project on Australia's international competitiveness to help shape future economic and social policy setting.

Although Australia's boom in mineral exports and unprecedented terms of trade have helped cushion it from the worst effects of the global economic downturn, the country's future prosperity is not guaranteed.

"This landmark work will seek to identify Australia's important competitive advantages and disadvantages and will assist in the development of economic and social policies affecting Australia's competitiveness,” says CPA Australia CEO Alex Malley.

"The results will also help inform the Asian Century review currently being undertaken by the Australian Government," Malley says.

CPA Australia is undertaking the project in conjunction with Professor Michael Enright, Sun Hung Kai Professor at the University of Hong Kong. Professor Enright has undertaken similar projects in more than 20 countries in the past 25 years, and is currently working with the New Zealand Government.

"Professor Enright is a Harvard alumnus and one of the world’s leading figures in competitiveness research," Malley says. "Having been based in Asia since 1996, he is uniquely placed to assess the impact of a rising Asia on Australia’s economy."

A report on the research will be released later this year and made available to all members of CPA Australia. 

Read the government's Issues Paper on Australia in the Asian Century (PDF)