PIOJ Growth-Inducement Strategy - Planning Institute of Jamaica

In Table C.1, I try to map factors for social resilience to global competitiveness indicators
(GCI) listed in the Growth-Inducement Strategy. The first column shows some aspects of
enhancing social resilience, after Saperstein (undated). The second column shows Global
Competitiveness Indicators as shown in Table 8.5 in the document. I do not have the
time to go into these in detail here, but will try to make some linkages.
There are commonalities between encouraging adaptation for social resilience and a
country’s capacity for innovation. Adaptation calls for innovation. Fostering learning
and education is the second factor in social resilience. The corresponding GCI is
“Quality of educational system/education enrollment rate”. Investing in education for the
population and fostering a learning environment within and outside of the formal
education system will result in a higher level of global competitiveness. The link
between supporting self-organisation and transparency of government is not as clear-cut.
However, I would argue that any government committed to good governance, of which
transparency is an important aspect, will support communities in self organising, and will
provide a policy framework which encourages the population’s participation in all
aspects of national life. The resulting cohesion is important for social resilience.
4.0 Summary
Jamaica’s experience clearly demonstrates that the impact of hazards and disasters has
caused significant losses, averaging up to 2% of GDP per annum, and retarding growth.
A resilient nation with a robust economy will be better able to recover from shocks –
whether natural or man-induced. It is clear that building national resilience must be
factored into our planning. National resilience is multi-faceted and includes physical,
economic, social and environmental aspects. Investment in all aspects is required if
economic growth is to be achieved and sustained.
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