Az innovatív szolgáltatások globalizálódása és versenyképessége

The development of ICT has established the international outsourcing of business services, creating thus the global market for related activities. The USA and a few Asian countries –mainly India – have so far been the major beneficiaries of this process. The level of internet penetration, the availability of flexible labour with the necessary language skills (mainly young graduates) and relatively low wages have created a source of global comparative advantage for Hungary in this market. Favourable geographical location should be added to these factors primarily with regard to the potentials in near-sourcing and to Germany in this context. As a consequence Hungary has become an outsourcing target for several multinational companies. Disregarding a few cases, however, Hungarian exporters seem to under-utilize the possibilities that have been opened in the field of healthcare, education, and other services by the progress of ICT. The recent crisis is clearly bringing about an increased competition and a strong restructuring. This is urging to explore new markets for Hungarian SMEs, and the export of services seems promising. Liberalization and deregulation are the main instruments for policy-makers to enhance the exploitation of the country’s comparative advantages in this respect.