Switzerland has made up ground internationally in terms of digital competitiveness, climbing one place – to fifth – in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking.
Denmark took the top spot, while the US had to settle for second place for the first time since the ranking was introduced in 2017. Sweden and Singapore are ranked better than Switzerland.
The authors of the studyExternal link, published on Wednesday, attribute Switzerland’s improvement primarily to its good performance when it comes to “knowledge”. This is defined as “the necessary know-how to discover, understand and develop new technologies”. Other factors include “future viability” and “technology”.
“Switzerland is on its way to becoming a fully developed digital nation, with satisfactory digital infrastructure and regulation, data governance and digital attitudes,” said Arturo Bris, director of the World Competitiveness Center (WCC) at the Lausanne-based IMD business school.
“A key success factor for the future though will be the introduction of a digital identity program in the country. The top nations in the ranking, such as Denmark and Singapore, are already marking the way in this sense.”
Digital skills weaker
The authors also see a need to catch up in the availability of digital skills. Despite improvements, the values for women with a university degree and the number of female researchers are still comparatively low.
The study was conducted jointly by the industry association digitalswitzerland, the independent academic institution IMD and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL). Data from 63 countries was included in the evaluation.
More
More
Switzerland should boost computer education and cyber-security, says expert
This content was published on
Marc Walder, founder of digitalswitzerland, tells us he is satisfied with Switzerland’s digital competitiveness.
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Experts lower Swiss growth forecasts due to US trade tensions
This content was published on
The uncertainty caused by ongoing trade conflicts is making companies hesitant to make decisions, which significantly hinders investment.
Swiss abbot resumes role following abuse investigation
This content was published on
Scarcella was accused in the Catholic Church abuse scandal last autumn. In October 2024, the Vatican declared there was no evidence of abuse or harassment against him.
Swiss stock exchange operator SIX to cut 150 jobs in efficiency drive
This content was published on
"We're not revealing the number of job losses at each location at the moment," said a SIX spokesperson. However, there will be cuts in Switzerland as well.
Martin Pfister named new Swiss government minister
This content was published on
Pfister’s election keeps the linguistic balance of Switzerland’s government, but shifts gender balance to only two women.
Swiss interior minister meets UN leaders in New York for women’s rights session
This content was published on
The Swiss interior minister also held bilateral meetings with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women
The image of foreigners in Switzerland has deteriorated
This content was published on
The Federal Statistical Office has found that Swiss people’s views of foreigners have worsened over the last couple of years.
After mild winter, nature wakes up earlier in Switzerland
This content was published on
Once again this year, nature has woken up earlier than normal, between a week and ten days ahead of schedule due to a mild winter.
Computer failure disrupts air traffic at Geneva airport
This content was published on
A computer breakdown has disrupted operations at Geneva Airport since midday on Tuesday. Significant delays are expected.
Swiss show high willingness to pay for sustainable flats
This content was published on
Tenants in Switzerland are in favour of sustainable flats. However, the willingness to pay differs by income according to a new study.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.