Switzerland has claimed the second spot in the 2024 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, securing its highest position in the eight years since the report’s inception. Produced annually by the IMD, this ranking assesses 67 nations across the globe, with Singapore leading the way, followed by Switzerland and Denmark.
In the 2024 rankings, Switzerland has shown remarkable progress, particularly in areas such as high-tech exports, e-participation, and cybersecurity. The country’s ranking in high-tech exports has risen to 9th place, while its performance in e-participation surged by 11 spots to reach 27th place. Cybersecurity has also seen an improvement, ranking 11th globally. Key areas contributing to Switzerland’s success include its strong intellectual property rights, advanced communications technology, international experience, and the ability to attract skilled foreign professionals.
In 2023, Switzerland held the 5th spot, demonstrating impressive growth in the past year. One of Switzerland’s notable strengths is its leadership in patent production. In 2021, Switzerland had more than double the number of patents per capita compared to Sweden, ranking as the world leader in innovation.
Despite these advancements, Switzerland still faces challenges in certain areas. Notably, digital identity management and electronic patient records remain areas for improvement. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for maintaining the country’s competitive edge in the global digital economy.
On the other hand, the United States, which held the top spot in previous years, dropped three positions this year to 4th place. The drop in ranking may be attributed to high enforcement costs and a complex legal environment. However, the US excelled in the Computer Science Education Index, ranking first globally, indicating the strength of its universities and graduates.
This year’s ranking highlights the global shift towards digital competitiveness, with countries like the UK and China following closely behind. For Switzerland, the journey towards becoming a digital leader is ongoing, with significant progress but areas for future growth.
