The Council on Competitiveness is deeply saddened to mark the passing of John Young, Founder of the Council on Competitiveness and former CEO of Hewlett Packard, a visionary leader whose manifold contributions have ignited U.S. competitiveness for four decades.
As Chairman of President Reagan's Commission on Industrial Competitiveness — tasked with exploring ways to strengthen the competitive position of U.S. industry both domestically and internationally — and as Founder and Chair of the Council from 1986 to 1990, John defined “competitiveness” as we understand it today.
“John Young is an American icon. His unwavering commitment and vision for fostering U.S. innovation, collaboration, and strategic leadership have left an indelible legacy that continues to drive our nation forward,” said Deborah Wince-Smith, President and CEO, Council on Competitiveness.
John founded the Council on Competitiveness out of a profound understanding that sustained American prosperity depends on our collective ability to compete globally — through productivity and technological excellence.
John also recognized all voices — business, academia, and labor — must be at the table when shaping national competitiveness policy. This was a groundbreaking idea four decades ago — a true spark of innovation.
Drawing from his experience at Hewlett-Packard and his deep engagement with industry, unions, and academia, John’s leadership guided the United States toward practical, consensus-driven strategies that continue to influence policy today. He helped elevate the importance of public-private partnerships, cross-sector collaboration, and investments in education, research, and manufacturing.
He also co-created the first-ever Competitiveness Index, providing a vital tool for understanding and benchmarking national performance across strategic economic indicators. Today, nations and policymakers worldwide recognize the importance of understanding their competitiveness — its impact on productivity, living standards, and the success of goods and services in the global marketplace.
“While a patriot focused on U.S. competitiveness, John set in motion a global movement focused on increasing national competitiveness that burns brightly to this day,” said Mr. Chad Holliday, Chair, Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils, and Chair Emeritus, Council on Competitiveness.
John also bridged Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C., forging vital links between the innovative ecosystems of Palo Alto — home to garage startups and entrepreneurs — and the public policy arena. This collaboration has fueled sustainable economic growth across the United States for decades.
His optimism about America’s future, even amid political and economic turbulence, was infectious. He believed in the power of innovation, cooperation, and resilient leadership to overcome challenges and unlock new horizons — from advanced manufacturing to artificial intelligence.
As we honor his legacy, we reaffirm our commitment to his vision: a stronger, more competitive United States that champions innovation, inclusivity, and shared prosperity. The Council on Competitiveness remains dedicated to advancing these principles, ensuring John Young’s work continues to lead us toward a brighter future for generations to come.
We are grateful for John’s extraordinary leadership, unwavering dedication, and enduring belief in America’s potential.
