The Competitiveness Research Network (CompNet) is a leading European research initiative dedicated to advancing the understanding of competitiveness and productivity dynamics. Established in 2012 by 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 and few others including Japan, New Zealand and Canada. Now in its 10th edition, this dataset is widely recognized for its analytical depth and methodological rigor 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, harmonized platform that enables researchers and policymakers to access and analyze 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 Center for Business and Productivity Dynamism (IWH-CBPD), further solidifying its position within a broader institutional framework focused on productivity and macroeconomic research.

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 and 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. Grant support from the European Commission (DG-REFORM) under a previous Technical Support Instrument (TSI) program is also gratefully acknowledged, reflecting CompNet’s continued collaboration with European institutions in building robust, policy-relevant research infrastructure.