Davids and Goliaths: Hidden Champions in an Age of Industrial Policy

We review the state of the current industrial champions debate and make the case for nimble, innovative 'Davids', rather than resource-hungry 'Goliaths'. These export-based firms have shown robust performance in recent years and may help economies increase their resilience in times of significant uncertainty. They are more autonomous than traditional champions and they are already in our midst. The challenge for policymakers is how to foster an environment that supports Davids while keeping an eye on national strategic interests.