Switzerland tops IMD’s 2025 World Competitiveness Ranking

With continued leadership in government efficiency and infrastructure, Switzerland has been named the world’s most competitive economy in the 2025 edition of the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking.

Switzerland has taken first place in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, reaffirming its reputation for economic stability, institutional strength, and long-term resilience. The country outperformed 68 other economies evaluated across four key dimensions: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure.

While Switzerland maintained first position in both government efficiency and infrastructure, its performance in other areas showed modest declines. Economic performance slipped by one place to 13th, and business efficiency dropped from fifth to sixth. Still, the country’s overall profile remains robust, supported by a stable macroeconomic environment and a high-quality regulatory and institutional framework.

The IMD ranking incorporates both hard statistical data and survey responses from over 6,000 executives worldwide. Notably, a portion of Swiss respondents expressed concern over the accessibility of public sector contracts to foreign bidders, suggesting room for improvement in market openness.

A resilient model for competitiveness in a shifting global landscape

Switzerland’s consistent high ranking in competitiveness aligns with its performance in other global indices, including the Global Innovation Index and the Global Talent Competitiveness Index. These results reflect the country’s capacity to combine productivity and prosperity with social cohesion and sustainability.

Switzerland’s rise from second in 2024 to first in 2025 comes as other top economies adjust to shifting global conditions. Singapore, the previous leader, fell to second despite strong gains in economic performance, while Hong Kong SAR moved up to third, supported by improvements across all four competitiveness factors.

According to the IMD’s World Competitiveness Center, government efficiency has become a defining trait of long-term resilience. In this context, Switzerland’s performance highlights the importance of agile institutions, forward-looking policies, and sound fiscal governance in navigating global uncertainty.

With strong public institutions, a skilled workforce, and a stable business environment, Switzerland continues to offer an exceptional base for international companies seeking to grow in a competitive and predictable environment, reinforcing its position as a key economic hub in Europe and beyond.