Abstract Purpose: This theoretical essay aims to describe and discuss the competitiveness, its evolution and relations with the subject innovation. Method: Several authors argue that competitiveness should be analyzed at different levels of the industry, sector or nation, to meet a demand or problem that can aid understanding of the phenomenon. Results: Through this article, it was possible to reflect on studies of thinkers about the competitiveness, since the 1950s, reflecting advances and comparing applications in different industries and countries, as well as compared to the assumptions of the world forum of competitiveness. It is still sought, through the reported studies; identify relationships indicated in innovation and competitiveness. One can also identify the use of competitive factor and its applications over the years, which has included the use and analysis of quantitative and qualitative variables as, for example, sustainability. Impacts and reflections of this two constructs are discuss in this paper. Keywords : Competitiveness, innovation, metrics, World forum of competitiveness and measurement models