Core competencies are defined as:

Core competencies are key areas of expertise that enable companies to differentiate themselves from their competitors in the marketplace. They represent unique capabilities or advantages that are valuable to customers and difficult for competitors to imitate. For example, a company may have exceptional technology, a strong brand reputation, or specialized knowledge that allows it to deliver superior products or services. These competencies are crucial for sustaining competitive advantage and driving long-term success.

In contrast, skills that can easily be copied by competitors do not qualify as core competencies, as they lack the uniqueness that provides a competitive edge. Systems that manage customer relationships and operational procedures, while important for business operations, do not specifically encapsulate the idea of core competencies, which revolve around expertise and differentiation rather than just management or operations.