The challenge is how to best invest our resources and use our talent to ensure prosperity for future generations. President Clinton suggested that investment in infrastructure is key to increasing global competitiveness, citing a major gap between the average broadband speeds in the U.S. and South Korea as an example.

Although we may not be able to put 200% of GDP toward building a 21st-century infrastructure like Japan has done, we can and should invest a greater percentage of GDP than we do now, Clinton explained, as it would spark growth and a payback in jobs.

UBS Wealth Management Research believes investment in infrastructure is vital to creating an environment that fosters a more competitive 21st century?emphasizing it is important to do so without imposing additional taxes. For more in-depth insights into this issue, read our latest?report.

President Bush?believes that reforming education is key to improving American competitiveness, and he remains optimistic about our ability to succeed on the global stage. "Should we fear China and India? No, we shouldn't," he said at Revitalizing America in Dallas, insisting that America hasn't lost its step.

To create a more competitive environment, President Clinton called upon government and business to work closely together. "The winners of the world are the ones that have the best public/private cooperation" he said. By combining forces, these partnerships will help increase our competitive edge.

While challenges remain, President Clinton believes that America?s best days are still ahead. "People have been betting against America from the beginning. So far, everybody's lost money." He added, "There's nothing wrong with this country that can?t be fixed.

For more clarity on how the future of U.S. competitiveness may impact your own investment strategy, connect with your UBS Financial Advisor or find a?UBS Financial Advisor.