Report 2021 EIGHT COMPETITIVENESS LAB - EQS COCKPIT
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EIGHT COMPETITIVENESS LAB Competitiveness Report 2021
…for liberty to emerge and flourish, both state and society must be strong. A strong state is needed to control violence, enforce laws, and provide public services that are critical for a life in which people are empowered to make and pursue their choices. A strong, mobilized society is needed to control and shackle the strong state. The Narrow Corridor – States, Societies, And the Fate of Liberty - Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson (2019)
Eight Competitiveness Lab
This report is a product of the work of the The Lab has been established by Eight
Eight Competitiveness Lab, whose aim is International, an organization consisting
to provide international investors with the of 8 business advisory founding firms, and
essential data they require to make informed associate members present in more than 30
business decisions. It tracks and shares the countries globally. It is a global organisation
most relevant and up to date information on with strong European roots focusing on
the progress and development of the global transactions, restructuring, transformation
economy. and financial engineering.
With offices in the UK, France, Germany,
The research provides critical evidence that Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands,
shows that the most favourable business Poland, Italy, Spain, Russia and India, Eight
environment is not dependent on low taxes International is a fast-growing advisory
or low wages. In our view, the crucial formula firm of a new type, serving multinational
required to achieve both economic success corporations, private equity firms, investors
and human happiness is a sustained focus and family offices.
Fifth edition on wellbeing, political and social stability
of the Eight Competitiveness Report, and a determination to deliver the highest
which provides a yardstick educational standards.
to compare countries
In this edition
of the Eight Competitiveness Report
Legal note
we measure the appeal of countries.
More specifically, what is the
attractiveness of a country to its own
population, to foreign visitors, investors,
students, researchers, This report is partially based on data that Eight International in no way represents,
and entrepreneurs. was compiled by the Eight Competitiveness owns or controls rights to the data and will
Various sources have been Lab from various local and international not be liable to users for any claims brought
used to compile organizations and institutions. They were against users by third parties in connection
this “ranking of rankings”. obtained with the prior written permission of with their use of any data. Users must refer
their owners. to the data owners’ terms of use, in particular
concerning the attribution, distribution, and
Although Eight International makes every reproduction of the data.
effort to ensure that the data is accurately
Copyright: © Eight International
reflected in this report, we (a) provide the
data “as is, as available” and without warranty
of any kind, either expressed or implied,
including, without limitation, warranties
of merchantability, fitness for a particular
purpose and non-infringement;
(b) make no representation, expressed
or implied, as to the accuracy of the data
contained in this report or its suitability for
any particular purpose;
(c) accept no liability for any use of the said
data or reliance placed on it, in particular,
for any interpretations, decisions, or actions
based on the data in this report.
5
Competitiveness Report 2021
The unique combination of rankings makes up the socio-economic DNA
of a country. However, these metrics and rankings are not set in stone.
Impact of the covid pandemic, which affected every country in the world
Pascal Raidron in different ways, has made it abundantly clear. For Europe the following
years will be decisive. Not only will the economic and societal outcomes
President of the pandemic become apparent, but also on a geopolitical level there is
of Eight Advisory increased tension that sooner or later will impact all regions.
& Eight International
In this edition, we have added a particular emphasis on Europe. Unique to
this f ifth version are tables juxtaposing Europe’s socio-economic models
along with a matrix comparing the world’s big economic powers.
The f irst one shows that each socio-economic model in Europe excels at
something and complements the others. That is why Europe has more to
offer as a whole. The matrix comparing powers also illustrates this. Europe
is much more than a simple sum of individual countries. Together, Europe
Alexis Karklins-Marchay can truly compete with the other big powers in the world.
Partner at Eight Advisory If there is one lesson to be learned f rom this report, it is that Europe’s
& General Secretary diversity is one of its greatest assets. Given that the coming years will prove
of Eight International crucial, the European Union has an important role to play. A strong united
Europe is needed to defend and protect our common values.
Competitiveness
Report 2021
Switzerland, the Netherlands
and Nordics take it all
A number of highlights from
4.
Despite being a mid-sized country, Switzerland
this year’s edition of the Global
remains very high in all rankings related to
competitiveness. Switzerland still has the
Competitiveness Report:
5.
most advanced business environment, but
the Netherlands are also well positioned.
The country can claim elevated positions in
a number of rankings - whether it comes to
global competitiveness, economic freedom or
infrastructure quality. In the case of the Nordics
1.
the situation remains unchanged: Sweden,
Competitiveness revised Denmark, Finland and Norway top almost all
rankings, have the most productive businesses,
Global competitiveness is not another term for cheap are the best places to live and raise kids and Italy -
labor or low taxes. It’s a unique blend of individual are well positioned to compete in the global excellent national
economy.
freedoms and collective decision-making, of
entrepreneurship and social protection.
health system
Italians pride themselves in having one of the best national
health systems in the world. Though the pandemic might have
challenged that perception, the country excels in terms of overall
health achieving second place in the healthiest country index. The
2.
government is now shifting the focus away from big hospitals to a
“next-door” healthcare system, providing Italians with top quality
6.
medical services in towns and villages, which will only make the
system work even more efficiently.
Big in Russia & India
Europe as the next big power Both India and Russia are the countries to
keep an eye on, as their business climates
7.
If Europe were to be a country, it could definitely rival the likes of China Poland - Master of became much more attractive to foreign
and the United States. Europe is the second largest economy in the world, investors. The ease of doing business
it ranks first in the ranking of universities and is the third biggest supplier infrastructure improved in Russia as well as India – these
of companies to the Fortune Global 500. The conclusion is clear: a united are very welcome developments and should
Europe would truly be able to compete with the other big powers in the When it comes to infrastructure
further add to these large countries’ and their
world. This will prove to be important during the geopolitical shifts in the quality, Poland moved up sharply
ability to attract foreign investment.
coming years. The following years will be determined by the economic in the rankings. Its prosperity
still requires it to catch up to its
8.
recovery of the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and climate change. During
these crucial times, Europe must step up and take on its responsibility as European peers – an area for
development which would be
3.
the world’s next big power.
welcomed. Germany – striking
the balance
As a big and open economy, Germany
maintains its strong balance between
economic competitiveness and high
social standard but faces challenges with
The beauty of being different its infrastructure.
9.
Within Europe we look at different economic models –
Benelux, British Isles, Viségrad, Nordics, Med7 as well as
10.
DACH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland). Not a single
economic model tops each and every ranking. DACH is a
very advanced and innovative region. The British Isles have
a favorable business environment and the Nordics score
well on political and social stability. The conclusion is clear:
European societal models are clearly complementary and
Home of global
every European region has its own characteristics - as is the companies
case in countries such as China or the United States. We
should embrace those differences and explore how to turn With a leading position in the Brave, little and open
Competitiveness
them into an advantage. world, France is truly the home of
global companies as it is the 4th Belgium can be seen as an example of a
Report 2021
biggest supplier of companies on small, but very open economy that boasts
the Fortune Global 500 list. France a quality education and freedom in its
is also recognized for its business broadest sense, which positions the country
schools and its infrastructure. as a democratic hub, centrally located in
northwestern Europe.
10 11
Contents
13 Introductions
14 Foreword
22 Country by country summaries
24 Germany
26
28
30
France
United Kingdom
Italy
Introduction
32 Spain
When the last edition of the Eight Competitiveness Report was published, “a pandemic”
34 Poland was mostly seen in textbooks or science fiction movies. A face mask was usually seen
36 The Netherlands to be worn by doctors in operating theatres. Vaccines were often associated with small children or
38 Belgium as a part of travelling abroad to far-off destinations. Today’s situation is completely different from
40 Switzerland the one we encountered two years ago. In 2020 we are faced with the first true global pandemic in a
globalized world. The pandemic has had a significant impact to societies, economies, health systems
42 Russia
and government budgets. Yet we have equally witnessed the strength and resilience of our systems.
44 India The unique combination of academic research, innovation and market economies have led to the
development of multiple vaccines in record speed. It is particularly impressive that there was less
46 Rankings than a year between the outbreak of Covid-19 and the administration of the first vaccines.
98 Socioeconomic models It is clear that countries have been impacted in various ways
resulting in different outcomes. Put someone under stress, and their true nature will emerge.
104 Big powers The same goes for countries. Whether it was the tackling of the pandemic outbreak,
the appetite for international cooperation, crisis management, research into a vaccine,
110 About Us the deployment of financial and economic support or a policy agenda to restart
the economy - every country acted according to the way they are institutionally wired.
112 About Eight Competitiveness Lab In the past one and a half years we have been able to learn a lot about how
113 About Eight International countries function - and how this ties in with the societal choices they make.
114 Methodology This report is about the choices countries make - and what it means for their societal,
115 Acknowledgement economic and financial future.
116 Contact
03
1
FOREWORD
What is
competitiveness
Ultimately competitiveness measures the
attractiveness of a country. Not just to foreign
Like in previous editions, this
investors that could be lured with low taxes or report presents a ranking of all
flexible business rules. But also the appeal to rankings.
its own population, to students, researchers,
entrepreneurs, etc. The appeal to foreign
We have compiled the most relevant rankings
visitors researchers, investors and ultimately
into four different themes: Economic Strength,
the appeal to other countries - is my country a
Business Environment, Political and Social
“model” that other countries want “to copy”?
Stability and finally Education and Quality of
Those are questions or policy challenges
Life. For each country, the unique combination
that go beyond a “low taxes or cheap labor”
For us competitiveness is not just ‘‘having the lowest tax rate”. If that approach. Which socio-economic model is
of rankings makes up their socio-economic
DNA. They are an imprint of a country’s identity,
were the case then many poor countries around the world would most competitive? Fast-growing and unfree or
the reflection of the inner self of a country. The
rank as highly competitive. rich and democratic? High quality education
rankings tell us how countries or power blocks
and low infrastructure quality or a lower
are actually perceived by others. However, these
ranking in education yet a higher ranking in
metrics and rankings are not set in stone. As
health?
is clear from the report, many countries move
up or down the rankings between different
years - sometimes quite significantly. It is the
Which country would you like your children to For some nations, low taxes are an important lens through which countries are perceived by
live in? Which country would you gladly move policy tool - small, open, advanced economies investors and visitors.
to? Not just for a holiday but permanently. are a case in point. Take Ireland, Estonia, or
When answering these questions we Luxembourg. What these countries lack in size
automatically make an assessment of the and scale relative to their big neighbours, they
different characteristics of a country. Would try to make up in tax breaks or lower taxes.
you like to live in fast-growing China or in free
Denmark? Would you like to live in the highly Yet lower taxes are not a structural and exclusive 2
Covid has reinforced
educated United States or in highly educated solution to increased prosperity. Today we are
as well as gender equal Sweden? Low taxation seeing an international drive for an international
might cross our minds. But we would also minimum tax on corporations - under the
prefer inequality to be relatively low. The
quality of higher education and the quality of
infrastructure should be to a sufficient degree.
impulse of the OECD, the European Union and
even the new Biden administration.
This could prove to be a game-changer.
the importance of competitiveness
The health system as well as the absence This would mean that businesses could no
of corruption count. Whether women have longer globally shop for the lowest tax rate and
equal opportunities or care that is given to the establish themselves there. Furthermore, the Covid19 has had a profound impact on every society in the world and will continue to do so for
environment and climate. havoc that the pandemic has wreaked upon some time to come. Are the metrics in this competitiveness report still relevant in the era of
government finances will only further hasten Covid19? The answer is nuanced: they are and they aren’t. Let’s first see why they are.
That is exactly what we are measuring in this the end of the era of aggressive corporate tax
fifth edition of the Eight Competitiveness planning. It would mean that different metrics It is the case that different societal models have reacted differently
Report. These are exactly the yardsticks that will gain much more importance. Especially for to the outbreak of the pandemic. An instructive way of looking at this
we are providing. For us, competitiveness is not the smaller open economies it means that other
just “having the lowest tax rate”. If that were the qualities will become more crucial. Equality, is the so-called Covid19 impossible trilemma.
case then many developing countries around freedom of the press, quality of education,
the world would rank as highly competitive. health, democracy or social progress. The different rankings provide each country or socio-economic model with a unique fingerprint
However, this is not the case. Everybody sees or DNA. It is the case that different societal models have reacted differently to the outbreak of
that low taxes do not equal competitiveness. the pandemic. An instructive way of looking at this is the so-called Covid19 impossible trilemma.
Imagine a Newton’s pendulum with three spheres representing different aspects of the Covid19
pandemic: health, economy, and freedom. Policy makers that wanted to tackle the pandemic could
choose one out of the three policy domains they wanted to control expecting certain influence on
the health status of their citizens. It seems impossible to control the three at the same time.
Competitiveness
Report 2021
14 15
Some countries chose to cushion the blow to
the economy as much as possible as well as
The way countries managed
to get the pandemic under control as soon the pandemic, the economic
as possible. The only way to do this was by fallout, the restrictions of
restricting the freedom of its citizens. movement as well as the
In those countries the pandemic got under vaccination campaign and the
control relatively quickly and the economic
fallout was limited. China for example was
economic recovery are crucial
officially about the only economy in the elements to take into account
world that exhibited positive economic in future analyses.
growth over 2020 - this is living proof of this
approach. However, this increased economic In particular when it comes to determining
resilience for the country came at the which socio-economic model is most
expense of freedoms on an individual level. prosperous.
Another group of countries resolutely chose Are free societies also resilient societies?
freedom and the economy. Guaranteeing What does a fast vaccination campaign tell
people’s freedom of movement and keeping us about a country’s appeal to investors,
the economy for as long, and as much as students or migrants? Maybe it tells us
possible. This came at the price of a higher something about scientific prowess or about
death toll and more stress on their healthcare logistical excellence. About societal resilience
systems. Countries like the United States or about vaccine protectionism. Which
or Sweden can be found in this category. A societies are more resilient? Free ones or
last group of countries wanted to safeguard less free ones? Unequal ones or equal ones?
their population’s hard won freedoms as These are interesting metrics and debates
much as possible and at the same time get that we need to watch out for in the period to
the pandemic under control. The only way to come.
achieve this was to sacrifice big parts of the
economy - restrictions on opening hours or There are also non-Covid related
the closing down of entire sectors led to big metrics that will become more
economic losses. Most European countries
fall into this category.
important in the next couple of
years. Climate change might be
the biggest challenge humankind
Time will tell which approach has ever been confronted with.
proved to be the best. Health,
economy and freedom are not Consequently, if we are able to tackle this, it
will be one of the greatest feats ever achieved
simply levers that are pulled
- even greater than the combustion engine,
at will. What countries chose, flight, computing or modern medicine.
corresponds closely to their Climate change is the challenge of our times.
socio-economic DNA - which in It is therefore to be expected that we will
turn ties in closely with the way start measuring countries more and more
against this yardstick. Climate leadership,
countries tackled the pandemic.
CO2-neutrality or the way countries manage
the energy or climate transition will become
That brings us to the reason why the metrics important metrics. What are countries doing
in this report are no longer the only relevant in this respect? This could include scientific
ones. If we want to assess the appeal of development, reduction of CO2 emissions,
countries, there are other metrics that we the development of clean technologies
will need to be looking at much more in the or managing this transition in a way that
future. doesn’t compromise on traditional metrics.
Imagine a Newton’s pendulum with three spheres representing
different aspects of the Covid19 pandemic: health, economy, and
freedom. Policy makers that wanted to tackle the pandemic could
choose only one out of the three policy domains they wanted to
control expecting certain influence on the health status of their
citizens. It seems impossible to control the three at the same time.
Competitiveness
Report 2021
16 17
3
Europe’s moment of truth
In this fifth edition of the Eight Europe stands for openness
Competitiveness Report we have added a
particular emphasis on Europe. There are
to the rest of the world.
a number of reasons for this. First of all, the But the pandemic exposed
coming years will be crucial for Europe as well that openness can equally
as for the European Union. The economic increase our vulnerabilities and
damage from Covid19 was disproportionately weaknesses.
large for the European continent in 2020.
Finally, although still sizable, the stimulus
programme in the European Union is dwarfed Counting on open borders and a free
by those in the United States where newly- flow of goods makes us more vulnerable
elected president Joe Biden has announced when borders close and we are in need
massive fiscal stimulus and infrastructure of strategic assets. A stronger and better
investment programmes. Europe could and should emerge from the
aftermath of this crisis.
Big crises have always been In this report we have therefore attempted
to show the diversity of Europe. Often single
moments in which Europe rises European countries are pitted against China
to the occasion and integrates or the United States. Whether it comes to
further. size of the economy, number of universities
or number of companies in the Fortune
Adding to that, the increasing rivalry between Global 500, not a single European country
China and the United States will sooner or later can match those mammoth economies’
force uneasy geopolitical choices on Europe as population, GDP or number of multinational
well. companies.
That is why the recovery from the pandemic However, when we compare the European
will be Europe’s moment of truth. Big Union as a whole, the picture changes
crises have always been moments in which dramatically. Looking at the population,
Europe rises to the occasion and integrates Europe has about 100 million more
further. Not long after Second World War, inhabitants than the United States. When
the combination of Marshall plan funds and it comes to globalization, Europe is by far
the founding of the European Union for the most globalized economic power in
Coal and Steel provided the money and the the world - far more than the US, China
political will to grow together and to integrate or Japan. When it comes to the biggest
further. The European Union in its current companies in the world however, Europe
form traces its roots back to the end of the only slightly lags behind China or the US.
Second World War. Look more recently at the Of the 500 biggest companies in the world,
eurozone sovereign debt crisis or the refugee roughly one out of four is Chinese and about
crisis. Time and again Europe takes steps in the same proportion is American. One out
advancing towards more integration and of five hails from the European Union. The
more effective governance. But some things conclusion is clear: were the European
never change: with every new crisis the death Union a “real country”, it could definitely
of the European model is announced. With rival with the US and China in terms of size
every new crisis this assessment proves to be and power.
premature and ill-founded.
This exercise has been very instructive
Given the size of the post-Covid challenge, and useful. Rather than paint a picture of
the task before us is daunting. Europe has diametrically opposed socio-economic
learned that protectionism or nationalism models in Europe, the result is much more
are not helpful when it comes to tackling nuanced. Every socio-economic model
cross-border problems or crises. excels at something and adds value to the
rest of the region.
The conclusion is clear:
Competitiveness
Were the European Union a ‘‘real country’’
it could definitely rival with the US and China.
Report 2021
194
Latin Europe has by far the largest population
and counts the most companies in the
Fortune Global 500. They equally lead the
What sets Europe apart however and what
weakens us at the same time is a lack of
common vision and common pride of what
A lot will change
ranks when it comes to universities and the it can achieve on a global scale. Europeans
Top Master’s in Management. Germanic often see the half empty glass of division, A lot will change in the post-covid world. This competitiveness report provides a unique
Europe tops the list when it comes to whereas we could just as easily see the half We will be faced with a very unequal lens on the different socio-economic models
competitiveness and Human Development. full glass of strength through diversity. economic recovery across countries - based around the world. The different rankings can
British Europe leads in economic freedom and on their access to vaccines or the availability help us navigate the main tendencies. Which
Ease of Doing Business. The Nordics dominate What we possess in terms of prosperity, of recovery funds. A fast recovery is in the countries are getting freer, which ones are
all the rankings which refer to Political and historical achievements and wealth we offing for those who have already vaccinated getting more unequal, who has the best
Social Stability: from social progress to seem to lack in ambition, optimism and a majority of their population and those who universities and who is leading when it comes
inequality and from press freedom to absence entrepreneurial spirit. have very big recovery plans. On the other to the environment or gender equality. That in
of corruption. The Visegrád region in turn has end of the spectrum are countries in which itself is very instructive to help us understand
the most business friendly tax environment. vaccination still has to gain speed and where the fate of nations. For Europe, this
If one thing could strengthen government coffers were already empty to competitiveness report provides interesting
begin with. insights as well.
Europe’s position in the world, it
If this Competitiveness Report would be more self-confidence. Finally the fallout from the pandemic on a Although we have different
teaches us one thing it is that If you want others to believe in national and international level will determine
socio-economic models
Europe is a strong and diverse how we will build back again. There are
you, the precondition is that you uncertainties as well as certainties. One thing in Europe, they are all
continent. The same regional believe in yourself. is already certain, the world after Covid will be unmistakably... European.
differences and socio-economic a much more indebted one. The uncertainties, It is this unique blend of
differences exist here as they do on the other hand, are numerous. Will
individual freedoms and
The post-covid world, the recovery stimulus the pandemic leave permanent scars on
in other regions of the world. international cooperation and will we face collective decision-making, of
and the climate transition could prove
catalysts for a renewal of Europe. The a more divided world where trade and entrepreneurship and social
international relations get restructured along
The Benelux is the most globalized region competitiveness rankings show that Europe
ideological lines? protection.
and boasts the best infrastructure quality. has a lot to show for.
Or will the pandemic remind us of the
Too often this diversity in Europe is seen need for international cooperation and It is important to realize that our unique
as divisive - by outsiders and sometimes Could it be that it only lacks self-confidence coordination? While it is too early to tell, European model is not to be taken for
even by Europeans themselves. The same to become a true superpower? the next couple of years will prove critical. granted. In the meantime Covid might fuel a
regional diversity however is seen in the possible divergence between models. Highly
United States or China as well. Beijing is What is certain is that the race to fight climate indebted countries might see their recovery
not the same as Xinjiang, just as Alabama change will definitely pick up speed. 2020 was hampered whereas highly competitive ones
has a completely different profile than not only the year of the first global pandemic, might recover faster. This one of a kind model
California or New York, or Maharashtra than it was also the hottest year on record since is not irreversible just like it is not guaranteed.
West Bengal. Yet in Europe this diversity measurements began. 2021 seems to follow Rather the contrary: to maintain it, Europeans
is usually seen as divisive, while for other the same path. More and more countries must continuously guard and actively protect
power blocks it is seen as a strength. If this are gearing up for massive investments in our common values. In particular in times
cleantech, renewable energy as well as a of increasing public debt, rising inequality,
Competitiveness Report teaches us one
wholesale reduction of their carbon emissions. protectionism and challenges like the climate
thing it is that Europe is a strong and diverse transition, it is of utmost importance that
continent. The same regional differences Whatever happens in the next couple Europeans tackle these together.
and socio-economic differences exist here as of years and whatever turns events take,
they do in other regions of the world. this competitiveness report will serve as a There is so much more that unites Europeans
useful yardstick. Which economic model than there are things that divides them.
Yet despite these different models, they will thrive? It might well be the case that a Whichever way you look at the rankings in this
are not diametrically opposed. They are all country’s competitiveness proves decisive in report, Europe emerges as a unique spot in
variations of the same European model. the recovery. More competitive economies the world. Free, prosperous, highly educated,
What could this European model be? It might recover faster and with less permanent innovative and leading in a number of fields. It
is a good balance between freedom and damage. Will countries with lower inequality is on these strengths that we together should
the state. It is the combination of freedom fare better? How will we reduce covid-induced build to make our societies and economies
inequality? Will the better educated countries stronger, better and more just. We hope this
and prosperity. It is the symbiosis between
cope better with the job displacement from competitiveness report helps you navigate the
private enterprise and public policy.
the pandemic and the lockdown? Will the very interesting and transformative years that
environmentally strongest countries also lead are upon us.
the race to fight against climate change? Will
the most globalised countries suffer from well
increased protectionism or will they perform
in a world where international cooperation
becomes more important again? Will the
most free countries build back better -
through the forces of creative destruction and
free entrepreneurship?
Competitiveness
Or will less free countries recover - through
top-down planning and centralized
Report 2021
strategies?
20 21Country
by country
summaries
Competitiveness
Report 2021Germany Germany
WHAT IS THE POSITION OF GERMANY IN MAJOR INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS?
Traditionally, Germany holds a superior However, the level of students in secondary
place in various rankings. It is to be found school is falling, which should widen the gap
2019/2020 2015/2016 in the top 10 of the global competitiveness between low-skilled workers and people with
WORLD LARGEST ECONOMIES (GDP IN CURRENT US$) 4/193 4/193 → index and remains one of the most a higher degree over time.
stable countries from political and social
WORLD POPULATION 19/192 17/192 ↓
perspectives. Even though it should not lose When it comes to forward-looking attitudes,
ECONOMIC GDP PER CAPITA 18/192 19/192 ↑ sight of economic freedom and the ease Germany is scoring quite well. With regard
STRENGTH of doing business - two indicators in which to the environmental performance index
Germany lost some ground. the country has moved up a stunning 20
positions. The outcome of the upcoming
Further on, it consolidated its 4th place in the elections in September will also influence
world economies rating, the top 4 of which Germany’s position in the world. Regardless
GLOBALIZATION INDEX 6/191 27/186 ↑ remains completely unchanged since 2016. of who comes to power, the rest of Europe
EASE OF DOING BUSINESS 22/190 15/189 ↓ Germany is also the world’s third exporter will look for climate and economic leadership
INDEX OF ECONOMIC FREEDOM 29/184 17/186 ↓ behind the US and China. In accordance to Germany. Environmental leadership from
with this, the country also appears in the top a big and open economy should be a boost
GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 7/141 5/138 ↓
10 of the globalization index with a remarkable for the EU’s climate ambition in the following
BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE QUALITY 8/141 7/138 ↓ improvement of 21 places. Moreover Germany years and decades.
ENVIRONMENT FORTUNE GLOBAL 500 5/192 5/192 → equally occupies an elevated 7th position in
INTERNATIONAL TAX COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 15/36 21/35 ↑
the global competitiveness index.
Germany is also holding on to its 3rd place
in the masters in management index and
German universities are classified as the 4th
best in the world.
HUMAN FREEDOM INDEX 9/162 10/157 ↑
DEMOCRACY INDEX 14/167 13/167 ↓
SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX 11/159 10/159 ↓
GINI COEFFICIENT (NET INCOME) 17/103 14/106 ↓ GERMANY RANKING PER CRITERIA - GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX
POLITICAL & GLOBAL GENDER GAP 10/146 13/142 ↑
SOCIAL STABILITY WORLD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX 11/179 16/165 ↑
RANKING PER CRITERIA
CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX 9/179 11/175 ↑
TOP PERFORMANCES LOWEST PERFORMANCES
2019 OUT OF 141 COUNTRIES 2019 OUT OF 141 COUNTRIES
1 • Renewable energy regulation 113 • Complexity of tariffs
PISA GLOBAL RANKING 19/77 14/70 ↓
ACADEMIC RANKING OF WORLD UNIVERSITIES 4/63 3/63 ↓ 1 • Environment-related treaties in force 111 • Terrorism incidence
WORLD’S TOP MASTERS IN MANAGEMENT 3/192 3/192 → 1 • Mean years of schooling 102 • Flexibility of wage determination
INDEX OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 6/189 3/188 ↓ 1 • Border clearance efficiency 100 • Redundancy costs
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE INDEX 10/180 30/178 ↑ 1 • Insolvency regulatory framework 99 • Labour tax rate
EDUCATION & WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT 17/156 16/156 ↓
QUALITY OF LIFE 2 • Electricity access 97 • Conflict of interest regulation
HEALTHIEST COUNTRY INDEX 23/169 16/163 ↓
3 • Scientific publications 77 • Imports of goods and services
GLOBAL CONSUMER CONFIDENCE 21/64 15/62 ↓
4 • Research institutions prominence 72 • Cost of starting a business
2019 data - Published in October 2019
Competitiveness
Report 2021
Source: Global Competitiveness Index 2019, World Economic Forum, Switzerland, 2019.
http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2019.pdf
24 25France France
WHAT IS THE POSITION OF FRANCE IN MAJOR INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS?
Generally speaking France holds a high the environmental performance index.
position in the business environment
2019/2020 2015/2016 rankings. France has moved up 6 positions France equally does well when it comes to
WORLD LARGEST ECONOMIES (GDP IN CURRENT US$) 7/193 6/193 ↓ in the global competitiveness index and is higher education. The country leads the list
now in 15th place overall. Its infrastructure of ‘top masters in management’ and their
WORLD POPULATION 22/192 22/192 →
is also of elevated quality, ranking France universities are among the top 10 in the
ECONOMIC GDP PER CAPITA 23/192 24/192 ↑ 9th. It is therefore not surprising that France world. One area of improvement would be
STRENGTH is the 4th biggest supplier of companies to to invest more in primary and secondary
the Fortune Global 500 list. Conversely, it education, which is lagging behind.
has made a decline of 5 places in the ease
of doing business ranking and it should
concentrate more on economic freedom.
GLOBALIZATION INDEX 10/191 19/186 ↑
EASE OF DOING BUSINESS 32/190 27/189 ↓ France is the 6th or 7th largest economy in
INDEX OF ECONOMIC FREEDOM 64/184 75/186 ↑ the world - depending on the exchange rate
taken into account - and it is a very open one.
GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 15/141 21/138 ↑
In the globalization index, France moves up 9
BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE QUALITY 9/141 8/138 ↓ positions and is in the global top 10.
ENVIRONMENT FORTUNE GLOBAL 500 4/192 4/192 → In addition, the country advances 5 spots in
INTERNATIONAL TAX COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 32/36 35/35 ↑
FRANCE RANKING PER CRITERIA - GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX
HUMAN FREEDOM INDEX 33/162 33/157 →
DEMOCRACY INDEX 24/167 24/167 →
RANKING PER CRITERIA
SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX 18/159 16/159 ↓
GINI COEFFICIENT (NET INCOME) 20/103 25/106 ↑
GLOBAL GENDER GAP 15/146 18/142 ↑ TOP PERFORMANCES LOWEST PERFORMANCES
POLITICAL & 2019 OUT OF 141 COUNTRIES 2019 OUT OF 141 COUNTRIES
SOCIAL STABILITY WORLD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX 34/179 45/165 ↑
CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX 23/179 23/175 →
2 • Fixed-broadband Internet subscriptions 141 • Labour tax rate
2 • Electricity access 121 • Terrorism incidence
3 • Research institutions prominence 113 • Complexity of trade tariffs
5 • Scientific publications 97 • Internal labour mobility
PISA GLOBAL RANKING 26/77 26/70 → 6 • Healthy life expectancy 96 • Imports of goods and services
ACADEMIC RANKING OF WORLD UNIVERSITIES 7/63 6/63 ↓ 7 • Environment-related treaties in force 92 • Cooperation in labour-employer relations
WORLD’S TOP MASTERS IN MANAGEMENT 1/192 1/192 →
8 • Time to start a business 90 • Hiring and firing practices
INDEX OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 26/189 25/188 ↓
10 • Public budget transparency 86 • Mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE INDEX 5/180 10/178 ↑
EDUCATION & WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT 23/156 32/156 ↑ 2019 data - Published in October 2019
QUALITY OF LIFE
HEALTHIEST COUNTRY INDEX 12/169 14/163 ↑
GLOBAL CONSUMER CONFIDENCE 46/64 53/62 ↑
Competitiveness
Report 2021
Source: Global Competitiveness Index 2019, World Economic Forum, Switzerland, 2019.
http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2019.pdf
26 27United Kingdom United Kingdom
WHAT IS THE POSITION OF UNITED KINGDOM IN MAJOR INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS ?
When it comes to the business With a 4th place in the environmental
environment, it is interesting to note that performance index, the UK can safely
2019/2020 2015/2016 the United Kingdom is frequently present claim to be a green leader. Also notable in
WORLD LARGEST ECONOMIES (GDP IN CURRENT US$) 6/193 5/193 ↓ in the top 10. The country is already the 6th this year’s rankings is the UK’s advance to
most represented country in the Fortune the 5th position in the Globalization Index.
WORLD POPULATION 21/192 21/192 →
Global 500. With an 8th place in the ease of Nonetheless it remains to be seen whether
ECONOMIC GDP PER CAPITA 22/192 21/192 ↓ doing business ranking, a 7th place in the the UK will be able to hold on to this top spot
STRENGTH economic freedom index and a 9th place in - in particular after Brexit sealed the UK’s
the global competitiveness index, it is also withdrawal from the European Union.
a great country to start a new business.
The infrastructure quality however made
a small decline, the UK should pay more
GLOBALIZATION INDEX 5/191 20/186 ↑ attention to improve in this area.
EASE OF DOING BUSINESS 8/190 6/189 ↓
INDEX OF ECONOMIC FREEDOM 7/184 10/186 ↑ This country holds the bronze medal in the
worldwide ranking of universities. Meanwhile,
GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 9/141 7/138 ↓
secondary schools have started to catch up.
BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE QUALITY 21/141 9/138 ↓ It has moved up 9 places in the PISA ranking,
ENVIRONMENT FORTUNE GLOBAL 500 6/192 6/192 → which puts them in 14th position.
INTERNATIONAL TAX COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 22/36 16/35 ↓
THE UK RANKING PER CRITERIA - GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX
HUMAN FREEDOM INDEX 17/162 10/157 ↓
DEMOCRACY INDEX 16/167 16/167 →
RANKING PER CRITERIA
SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX 20/159 18/159 ↓
GINI COEFFICIENT (NET INCOME) 32/103 43/106 ↑
GLOBAL GENDER GAP 21/146 20/142 ↓ TOP PERFORMANCES LOWEST PERFORMANCES
POLITICAL & 2019 OUT OF 141 COUNTRIES 2019 OUT OF 141 COUNTRIES
SOCIAL STABILITY WORLD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX 35/179 38/165 ↑
CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX 11/179 12/175 ↑
1 • Cost of starting a business 125 • Terrorism incidence
2 • Electricity access 113 • Complexity of trade tariffs
2 • Scientific publications 104 • Imports of goods and services
2 • Renewable energy regulation 79 • Fibre internet subscriptions
PISA GLOBAL RANKING 14/77 23/70 ↑ 5 • E-Participation 70 • Mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions
ACADEMIC RANKING OF WORLD UNIVERSITIES 3/63 4/63 ↑
5 • Research institutions prominence 70 • Organized crimes
WORLD’S TOP MASTERS IN MANAGEMENT 2/192 2/192 →
6 • School life expectancy 61 • Government long-term vision
INDEX OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 13/189 13/188 →
6 • Airport connectivity
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE INDEX 4/180 12/178 ↑
EDUCATION & WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT 13/156 23/156 ↑ 2019 data - Published in October 2019
QUALITY OF LIFE
HEALTHIEST COUNTRY INDEX 19/169 23/163 ↑
GLOBAL CONSUMER CONFIDENCE 19/64 14/62 ↓
Competitiveness
Report 2021
Source: Global Competitiveness Index 2019, World Economic Forum, Switzerland, 2019.
http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2019.pdf
28 29Italy Italy
WHAT IS THE POSITION OF ITALY IN MAJOR INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS?
Given its recent weak track record in Italy stands out in different rankings.
economic growth, it is encouraging that The country is present in the top 10 of both
2019/2020 2015/2016 Italy has moved up 14 positions in the the ranking of top universities worldwide
WORLD LARGEST ECONOMIES (GDP IN CURRENT US$) 8/193 8/193 → competitiveness index, putting the country as well as in the master of management
in 30th place overall. The same applies ranking. Furthermore it excels in terms of
WORLD POPULATION 23/192 23/192 →
for the index of economic freedom and overall health with a second place in the
ECONOMIC GDP PER CAPITA 28/192 28/192 → its infrastructure quality. In both fields healthiest country index.
STRENGTH progress has been made. Yet there is
far more potential. The overall ease of For the moment Italy has a lower female
doing business could equally see some employment rate than most European
improvement. countries, which is indicated by their descent
in the gender gap rating from position
GLOBALIZATION INDEX 23/191 24/186 ↑ When we take a look at the perceived level 50 to 76. This country should invest more in
EASE OF DOING BUSINESS 58/190 45/189 ↓ of corruption, Italy is near the bottom of the the presence of women in the workplace.
INDEX OF ECONOMIC FREEDOM 68/184 86/186 ↑ European league table. Further efforts in
improving this would be beneficial to the
GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 30/141 44/138 ↑
country’s appeal.
BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE QUALITY 18/141 26/138 ↑
ENVIRONMENT FORTUNE GLOBAL 500 15/192 11/192 ↓
INTERNATIONAL TAX COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 36/36 34/35 ↓
ITALY RANKING PER CRITERIA - GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX
RANKING PER CRITERIA
HUMAN FREEDOM INDEX 31/162 31/157 →
DEMOCRACY INDEX 29/167 21/167 ↓
TOP PERFORMANCES LOWEST PERFORMANCES
SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX 23/159 26/159 ↑ 2019 OUT OF 141 COUNTRIES 2019 OUT OF 141 COUNTRIES
GINI COEFFICIENT (NET INCOME) 36/103 33/106 ↓
POLITICAL & GLOBAL GENDER GAP 76/146 50/142 ↓ 1 • Energy efficiency regulation 139 • Diversity of workforce
SOCIAL STABILITY WORLD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX 41/179 77/165 ↑ 1 • State of cluster development 138 • Burden of government regulation
CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX 52/179 60/175 ↑ 2 • Electricity access 135 • Flexibility of wage determination
3 • Extent of market dominance 132 • Efficiency of legal framework
in settling disputes
5 • Workers’ rights
130 • Government long-term vision
5 • Healthy life expectancy
130 • Pay and productivity
PISA GLOBAL RANKING 34/77 33/70 ↓ 6 • Renewable energy regulation
130 • Labour tax rate
ACADEMIC RANKING OF WORLD UNIVERSITIES 7/63 7/63 → 7 • Scientific publications
WORLD’S TOP MASTERS IN MANAGEMENT 6/192 6/192 → 127 • Hiring and firing practices
INDEX OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 30/189 28/188 ↓ 2019 data - Published in October 2019
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE INDEX 20/180 29/178 ↑
EDUCATION & WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT 30/156 50/156 ↑
QUALITY OF LIFE
HEALTHIEST COUNTRY INDEX 2/169 1/163 ↓
GLOBAL CONSUMER CONFIDENCE 60/64 58/62 ↓
Competitiveness
Report 2021
Source: Global Competitiveness Index 2019, World Economic Forum, Switzerland, 2019.
http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2019.pdf
30 31Spain Spain
WHAT IS THE POSITION OF SPAIN IN MAJOR INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS?
When looking at the business For a European country, the country is also
environment, it is the infrastructure quality relatively unequal - it occupies the 43rd
2019/2020 2015/2016 of Spain that stands out. With a 7th position position in the Gini coefficient ranking.
WORLD LARGEST ECONOMIES (GDP IN CURRENT US$) 13/193 14/193 ↑ in the rankings, the infrastructure can be
assessed as very advanced. It also rose 9 However, when it comes to inequality
WORLD POPULATION 30/192 29/192 ↓
places in the global competitiveness index. between men and women, Spain is
ECONOMIC GDP PER CAPITA 32/192 32/192 → Hopefully Spain can keep up this trend improving. In fact, the country rose sharply in
STRENGTH and extend it to the other rankings, such the global gender gap index, coming in at 8th
as ease of doing business and economic place. Moreover, several Spanish universities
freedom. Both rankings have improved, continue to be of top-quality. In terms of
but for Spain to be truly competitive there health, Spain is beyond comparison, claiming
is still a road ahead. the gold medal as the ‘healthiest country’ in
GLOBALIZATION INDEX 17/191 15/186 ↓ the world.
EASE OF DOING BUSINESS 30/190 33/189 ↑ On the other hand, Spain, like a number of
INDEX OF ECONOMIC FREEDOM 39/184 43/186 ↑ southern European countries, will depend
heavily on the rebound of tourism after the
GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 23/141 32/138 ↑
pandemic, which can be jeopardized by a
BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE QUALITY 7/141 10/138 ↑ weak consumer confidence. Especially that
ENVIRONMENT FORTUNE GLOBAL 500 12/192 12/192 → the country now ranks 36th in terms of global
INTERNATIONAL TAX COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 27/36 28/35 ↑
consumer confidence.
SPAIN RANKING PER CRITERIA - GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX
HUMAN FREEDOM INDEX 29/162 30/157 ↑
DEMOCRACY INDEX 22/167 17/167 ↓
RANKING PER CRITERIA
SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX 19/159 19/159 →
GINI COEFFICIENT (NET INCOME) 43/103 40/106 ↓
GLOBAL GENDER GAP 8/146 29/142 ↑ TOP PERFORMANCES LOWEST PERFORMANCES
POLITICAL & 2019 OUT OF 141 COUNTRIES 2019 OUT OF 141 COUNTRIES
SOCIAL STABILITY WORLD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX 29/179 34/165 ↑
CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX 32/179 41/175 ↑
1 • Road connectivity 133 • Labour tax rate
2 • Electricity access 121 • Government long-term vision
3 • Healthy life expectancy 116 • Hiring and firing practices
5 • E-Participation 114 • Burden of government regulation
PISA GLOBAL RANKING n.a./77 29/70 n.a. 6 • Research institutions prominence 113 • Complexity of trade tariffs
ACADEMIC RANKING OF WORLD UNIVERSITIES 9/63 9/63 →
7 • Environment-related treaties in force 104 • Banks’ regulatory capital ratio
WORLD’S TOP MASTERS IN MANAGEMENT 4/192 4/192 →
8 • Airport connectivity 100 • Terrorism incidence
INDEX OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 25/189 24/188 ↓
9 • Efficiency of train services 98 • Attitudes towards entrepreneurial risk
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE INDEX 14/180 6/178 ↓
EDUCATION & WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT 28/156 37/156 ↑ 2019 data - Published in October 2019
QUALITY OF LIFE
HEALTHIEST COUNTRY INDEX 1/169 6/163 ↑
GLOBAL CONSUMER CONFIDENCE 36/64 31/62 ↓
Competitiveness
Report 2021
Source: Global Competitiveness Index 2019, World Economic Forum, Switzerland, 2019.
http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2019.pdf
32 33Poland Poland
WHAT IS THE POSITION OF POLAND IN MAJOR INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS?
Looking at Poland’s current business Another positive trend can be seen in the
environment, the country slightly global consumer confidence index, where
2019/2020 2015/2016 regressed in this year’s report. When it Poland has moved up to the 14th place
WORLD LARGEST ECONOMIES (GDP IN CURRENT US$) 22/193 25/193 ↑ comes to the ease of doing business, the worldwide. Education has equally improved
country has also fallen in the rankings. The further - Poland moves from the 19th to the
WORLD POPULATION 39/192 35/192 ↓
same applies for the economic freedom 11th position in the PISA global ranking.
ECONOMIC GDP PER CAPITA 58/192 60/192 ↑ ranking and the global competitiveness
STRENGTH ranking. Although the fall is a small one, Progress towards greater equality would
it should nevertheless be an appeal to be welcome. When it comes to income
improve its position. On the positive inequality and the global gender gap, Poland
side, a remarkable rise of 31 places in the fell in the rankings relative to the last report.
infrastructure quality index immediately
GLOBALIZATION INDEX 33/191 23/186 ↓ stands out.
EASE OF DOING BUSINESS 40/190 25/189 ↓
INDEX OF ECONOMIC FREEDOM 41/184 39/186 ↓ Poland is doing well in the field of education,
both in secondary and higher education.
GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 37/141 36/138 ↓
Within the “top masters in management
BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE QUALITY 25/141 56/138 ↑ ranking” the country is ranked 8th worldwide.
ENVIRONMENT FORTUNE GLOBAL 500 29/192 29/192 →
INTERNATIONAL TAX COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 34/36 29/35 ↓
POLAND RANKING PER CRITERIA - GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX
HUMAN FREEDOM INDEX 45/162 29/157 ↓ RANKING PER CRITERIA
DEMOCRACY INDEX 50/167 52/167 ↑
SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX 31/159 27/159 ↓
TOP PERFORMANCES LOWEST PERFORMANCES
GINI COEFFICIENT (NET INCOME) 28/103 21/106 ↓ 2019 OUT OF 141 COUNTRIES 2019 OUT OF 141 COUNTRIES
POLITICAL & GLOBAL GENDER GAP 40/146 38/142 ↓
SOCIAL STABILITY WORLD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX 62/179 47/165 ↓ 2 • Electricity access 131 • Diversity of workforce
CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX 45/179 30/175 ↓ 3 • Mobile-broadband subscriptions 127 • Time to start a business
9 • Insolvency regulatory framework 127 • Internal labour mobility
13 • Railroad density 123 • Government ensuring policy stability
13 • Pupil-to-teacher ratio in primary education 121 • Efficiency of legal framework
in challenging regulations
PISA GLOBAL RANKING 11/77 19/70 ↑ 18 • Research institutions prominence
118 • Judicial independence
ACADEMIC RANKING OF WORLD UNIVERSITIES 18/63 17/63 ↓ 23 • Liner shipping connectivity
118 • Ease of hiring foreign labour
WORLD’S TOP MASTERS IN MANAGEMENT 8/192 6/192 ↓ 24 • Mean years of school
116 • Multi-stakeholder collaboration
INDEX OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 35/189 33/188 ↓
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE INDEX 37/180 38/178 ↑ 2019 data - Published in October 2019
EDUCATION & WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT 43/156 57/156 ↑
QUALITY OF LIFE
HEALTHIEST COUNTRY INDEX 40/169 39/163 ↓
GLOBAL CONSUMER CONFIDENCE 14/64 28/62 ↑
Competitiveness
Report 2021
Source: Global Competitiveness Index 2019, World Economic Forum, Switzerland, 2019.
http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2019.pdf
34 35The Netherlands The Netherlands
WHAT IS THE POSITION OF THE NETHERLANDS IN MAJOR INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS?
The Netherlands can claim elevated The Netherlands are equally a very forward-
positions in a number of rankings looking country - the environment is
2019/2020 2015/2016 - whether it comes to global very important in Dutch politics and
WORLD LARGEST ECONOMIES (GDP IN CURRENT US$) 17/193 18/193 ↑ competitiveness, economic freedom or policymaking. This is highlighted by their
infrastructure quality. Compared to the position in the environmental performance
WORLD POPULATION 67/192 64/192 ↓
previous report, it became less convenient index. Since the last edition of this report
ECONOMIC GDP PER CAPITA 12/192 13/192 ↑ to do business in the Netherlands. the country moved up 25 positions in this
STRENGTH ranking.
Yet, its present business climate and its
supreme position in the press freedom There is room for improvement when it
index show why the Netherlands are often comes to the equality between men and
regarded as a model for an open, democratic women. The Netherlands fell from position 16
GLOBALIZATION INDEX 2/191 1/186 ↓ and innovative country. It is no wonder that to number 38.
EASE OF DOING BUSINESS 42/190 28/189 ↓ The Netherlands heads up the globalization
INDEX OF ECONOMIC FREEDOM 16/184 16/186 → index together with Switzerland - this other
successful open economy.
GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 4/141 4/138 →
BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE QUALITY 2/141 3/138 ↑
ENVIRONMENT FORTUNE GLOBAL 500 10/192 9/192 ↓
INTERNATIONAL TAX COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 17/36 6/35 ↓
THE NETHERLANDS RANKING PER CRITERIA - GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX
RANKING PER CRITERIA
HUMAN FREEDOM INDEX 14/162 15/157 ↑
DEMOCRACY INDEX 9/167 12/167 ↑
TOP PERFORMANCES LOWEST PERFORMANCES
SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX 10/159 6/159 ↓ 2019 OUT OF 141 COUNTRIES 2019 OUT OF 141 COUNTRIES
GINI COEFFICIENT (NET INCOME) 11/103 8/106 ↓
POLITICAL & GLOBAL GENDER GAP 38/146 16/142 ↓ 1 • Quality of land administration 128 • Flexibility of wage determination
SOCIAL STABILITY WORLD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX 5/179 2/165 ↓ 1 • Environment-related treaties in force 113 • Complexity of tariffs
CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX 8/179 8/175 → 1 • Exposure to unsafe drinking water 106 • Conflict of interest regulation
2 • Efficiency of seaport services 89 • Labour tax rate
2 • Reliance on professional management 73 • Terrorism incidence
2 • Quality of road infrastructure 72 • Internal labour mobility
PISA GLOBAL RANKING 16/77 13/70 ↓ 2 • Electricity access 71 • Redundancy costs
ACADEMIC RANKING OF WORLD UNIVERSITIES 10/63 9/63 ↓ 3 • Critical thinking in teaching 63 • Mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions
WORLD’S TOP MASTERS IN MANAGEMENT 4/192 3/192 ↓
2019 data - Published in October 2019
INDEX OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 9/189 8/188 ↓
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE INDEX 11/180 36/178 ↑
EDUCATION & WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT 6/156 7/156 ↑
QUALITY OF LIFE
HEALTHIEST COUNTRY INDEX 15/169 13/163 ↓
GLOBAL CONSUMER CONFIDENCE 11/64 18/62 ↑
Competitiveness
Report 2021
Source: Global Competitiveness Index 2019, World Economic Forum, Switzerland, 2019.
http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2019.pdf
36 37Belgium Belgium
WHAT IS THE POSITION OF BELGIUM IN MAJOR INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS?
Within the ease of doing business index, globalization index.
Belgium ranks quite poorly compared
2019/2020 2015/2016 to its European peers - occupying the It is also quite equal and Belgium is ranked in
WORLD LARGEST ECONOMIES (GDP IN CURRENT US$) 26/193 24/193 ↓ 46th position. Its complex network of position 7 when it comes to income equality.
procedures makes it harder for new In the world ranking for press freedom, it
WORLD POPULATION 79/192 76/192 ↓
foreign businesses to operate locally. In even moves up one place. This confirms
ECONOMIC GDP PER CAPITA 20/192 20/192 → addition, it also regressed in the global Belgium’s position as a democratic hub,
STRENGTH competitiveness index. This country centrally located in northwestern Europe.
has already invested in improving its
infrastructure quality and its economic Despite its small scale, Belgium can boast
freedom, as is clear from the rankings. of quality education. Whether it comes to
Still, a more business friendly environment the academic ranking of world universities
GLOBALIZATION INDEX 6/191 6/186 → would help increase Belgium’s appeal to Belgium scores relatively well.
EASE OF DOING BUSINESS 46/190 43/189 ↓ foreign investors and local businesses
INDEX OF ECONOMIC FREEDOM 37/184 44/186 ↑ alike.
GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 22/141 17/138 ↓
Belgium is a small and open economy
BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE QUALITY 14/141 21/138 ↑ that is exceedingly integrated globally. The
ENVIRONMENT FORTUNE GLOBAL 500 21/192 21/192 → country therefore ranks very favorably in the
INTERNATIONAL TAX COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 19/36 26/35 -
BELGIUM RANKING PER CRITERIA - GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX
HUMAN FREEDOM INDEX 25/162 21/157 ↓
DEMOCRACY INDEX 36/167 35/167 ↓
RANKING PER CRITERIA
SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX 16/159 16/159 →
GINI COEFFICIENT (NET INCOME) 7/103 7/106 → TOP PERFORMANCES LOWEST PERFORMANCES
2019 OUT OF 141 COUNTRIES 2019 OUT OF 141 COUNTRIES
POLITICAL & GLOBAL GENDER GAP 27/146 24/142 ↓
SOCIAL STABILITY WORLD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX 12/179 13/165 ↑
2 • School life expectancy 140 • Labour tax rate
CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX 15/179 16/175 -
2 • Electricity access 115 • Hiring and firing practices
4 • Railroad density 113 • Complexity of trade tariffs
4 • Insolvency recovery rate 110 • Internal labour mobility
7 • Imports of goods and services 108 • Flexibility of wage determination
PISA GLOBAL RANKING 20/77 20/70 →
7 • Intellectual property protection 105 • Terrorism incidence
ACADEMIC RANKING OF WORLD UNIVERSITIES 13/63 12/63 ↓
8 • International co-inventions 97 • Attitudes towards entrepreneurial risk
WORLD’S TOP MASTERS IN MANAGEMENT n.a. n.a. n.a.
INDEX OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 14/189 14/188 → 9 • Freedom of the press 94 • Burden of government regulations
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE INDEX 15/180 41/178 ↑ 2019 data - Published in October 2019
EDUCATION & WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT 20/156 18/156 ↓
QUALITY OF LIFE
HEALTHIEST COUNTRY INDEX 28/169 26/163 ↓
GLOBAL CONSUMER CONFIDENCE 29/64 27/62 ↓
Competitiveness
Report 2021
Source: Global Competitiveness Index 2019, World Economic Forum, Switzerland, 2019.
http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2019.pdf
38 39You can also read
