Government of Puerto Rico case study

In just 30 years, Puerto Rico transformed itself from one of the poorest economies in the world to the richest in Latin America. Recently, however, it became apparent that Puerto Rico needs new strategic direction. With globalization, new competitors have emerged, reducing traditional sources of competitive advantage. Economic growth has decreased, health and education systems are struggling to meet increasing demands, and social problems are undermining quality of life. To add to this, much of the island's infrastructure is at or near full capacity, and the natural environment is under threat.

After extensive consultation with leading global consulting firms and policy advisors, the government engaged A.T. Kearney to help develop a comprehensive long-term vision for the island in 2025, encompassing all aspects of economic, social, environmental and infrastructure development.

We approached this in four stages:

• an objective assessment of Puerto Rico's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
• a broad-based visioning of Puerto Rico's desired position in 2025, in the context of likely global scenarios
• prioritization of specific strategic options required to achieve this vision
• creation of an independent entity to spearhead implementation of the strategic recommendations

Broad-based community participation was critical throughout this process, both in creating a truly holistic vision, and to ensure the popular mandate required to drive implementation over a long timeframe, regardless of political transitions and short-term interests.

At the time of publication, this year-long project is still ongoing so the final recommendations have not yet been developed. However, the project's impact is already being felt: hundreds of business and community leaders have come together and begun to confront the constraints that are impeding progress in each sector of the economy and society; debate has shifted to the longer-term issues that need to be addressed; and a civil-society-led organization has been established to ensure implementation.

Heidie Calero, Steering Committee, Puerto Rico 2025: "What impressed me and the other members of the Steering Committee was A.T. Kearney's focus on participation and implementation."