The Competitiveness Research Network (CompNet) is a leading European research initiative dedicated to advancing the understanding of competitiveness and productivity dynamics. Founded by Filippo di Mauro in 2010 within the European System of Central Banks, CompNet’s objective is to foster collaboration between policymakers and researchers on competitiveness-related issues. 

At the heart of CompNet’s activities is the development of a high-quality, micro-founded dataset, which offers detailed productivity indicators for approximately 20 European countries, as well as Japan and New Zealand. Now in its 10th edition, this dataset is widely recognised for its analytical depth and methodological rigour and is available to researchers upon request. 

In addition to its dataset, CompNet plays a central role in developing and maintaining the Micro Data Infrastructure (MDI), a secure, harmonised platform that enables researchers and policymakers to access and analyse confidential firm-level data across countries. The MDI, developed under the EU-financed project MICROPROD in 2019, supports cutting-edge empirical research while safeguarding data privacy and serves as a foundational pillar for evidence-based policy analysis. 

As of January 2025, CompNet has become an integral part of the IWH Centre for Business and Productivity Dynamics (IWH-CBPD), led by Centre Chief Javier Miranda. This further solidifies its position within a broader institutional framework focused on productivity and macroeconomic research. 

IWH-CompNet is supported by a broad network of members who contribute in two key ways: through financial support (as funding institutions) and through the provision and processing of micro-level data (as data providers). All members are actively involved in research and policy work related to productivity. They share a common commitment to enhancing access to granular data and advancing the understanding of the drivers of productivity growth from a multi-country perspective. The Network’s research agenda is guided by the IWH-CompNet Advisory Board, which brings together distinguished scholars, leading experts, and representatives of funding and member institutions to ensure the scientific quality and policy relevance of its work.

IWH-CompNet also gratefully acknowledges grant support from the European Commission (DG REFORM) under the Technical Support Instrument (TSI). After the MULTIMSPROD programme (2022–2025), IWH-CompNet now coordinates ProdTool – NPB 2.0 (grant agreement No. 101261159, December 2025 – May 2028). ProdTool expands the MDI and CompNet dataset to support National Productivity Boards in eight EU countries with harmonised firm-level data, analytical tools, training and joint policy outputs. Learn more about ProdTool.