what makes an ability a core competency，please answer in English

An ability becomes a core competency when it meets several key criteria that contribute to a company's competitive advantage and long-term success. Here are some factors that define a core competency:

1. Uniqueness:

   • The ability is unique or rare within the industry, making it difficult for competitors to replicate.

2. Value Creation:

   • It provides significant value to customers, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

3. Inimitability:

   • Other firms find it hard to imitate this capability due to its complexity, proprietary knowledge, patent protection, or other barriers.

4. Scalability:

   • The capability can be applied across multiple products or services, helping the company to expand its business scope.

5. Strategic Importance:

   • It is an integral part of the company’s strategy and drives business growth and market position.

6. Durability:

   • The capability retains its value over time and is not just a transient advantage.

7. Customer Recognition:

   • Customers identify and value this capability, considering it critical to their choice of vendors.

8. Efficiency:

   • It enables the company to produce or provide services more efficiently than others.

9. Innovation:

   • The capability supports the company's innovation processes, enabling the continuous development of new products or improvements to existing ones.

10. Integration:

    • It allows the company to integrate different skills and technologies to create unique products and services.

11. Cost Advantage:

    • It enables the company to produce or provide services at a lower cost, thus gaining an advantage in price competition.

12. Brand Value:

    • The capability is closely associated with the company's brand image and helps to establish and maintain brand reputation.

13. Employee Skills:

    • It relies on the specialized skills and knowledge of employees, which are nurtured internally within the company.

14. Cultural Support:

    • The company culture supports and encourages the development of this capability.

15. Market Leadership:

    • The capability positions the company as a leader in specific market segments.

By identifying and nurturing these core competencies, businesses can maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.