E L S E V I E R Int. J. Production Economics 52 (1997) 3

international journal of

product!on economics

Opening address on the occasion of the Eighth World Productivity Congress, May 24, 1993

H . M . K i n g C a r l X V I G u s t a f o f S w e d e n

Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen

Productivity is one of the key words for prosper- ity. This is a truth which is valid all around the world. Therefore I am pleased to be able to wel- come so many honoured guests from so many countries to the Eighth World Productivity Con- gress here in Stockholm.

You represent nations in different phases of de- velopment of technology, industry and democracy. But you also represent different traditions. The perspectives of increased prosperity and productiv- ity therefore must be varying from one country to another.

During the past few years the world has changed dramatically. Political systems have crumbled and new nations have been born. At the same time we have gone through a worldwide recession, the worst in half a century. It is necessary that we join hands in this situation to mobilize all our optimism and look ahead. With new ideas and reborn deci- siveness I am sure we can turn the wheel around.

Improved productivity will no doubt lead to prosperity. But productivity does not only mean m o r e but also b e t t e r . Small continuous improve- ments on all levels in the chain of production is a method that has given good results in, for

example, Japan. There is even a special word for this in the Japanese language - KEIZEN.

The Keizen method is nothing revolutionary. On the contrary, it is very logical. If you want to improve something the best way is to do it step by step over the whole field.

This is something we all could set as a goal within our respective fields of work. Even I could ask my staff to try a bit harder next time ... But I know that with a minimum budget a minimum amount of people always try to do the perfect job at the Royal Palace. They are well aware of the impact of their work.

Efficiency and quality in production are at the end the result of the work of individuals in industry, organizations and the public sector. It is m a n who gives birth to new ideas and new technology. We need to find the very best ways to motivate and stimulate him, to make use of his experience and knowledge.

I hope that this Congress will generate a new drive towards a continuous improvement in quality and productivity, not only in Sweden but where- ever it is needed.

I wish you all good luck and interesting sessions during these three days in Stockholm and I hereby declare the Eighth World Productivity Congress open.

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