IMD World Competitiveness Booklet 2020

Concluding Remarks

This year’s results offer insights into the impact of the current anti- international trade trends, the effects of which have been greater in larger economies such as the USA and China. At the same time, however, the trends have somewhat benefited smaller economies, for example, the Netherlands and Denmark, which perform well in the competitiveness rankings. Highly ranked countries, moreover, have been able to temper the impact of international trade frictions with a resilient employment and labor

market, relying on robust health and education systems within a highly stable political environment. The latter is characterized by high levels of socio-economic equality and the openness of society. In addition, these countries perform well in measures of public finances, business legislation and environmental protection. Such characteristics of highly competitive countries can play a crucial role in steering their economies away from the socio- economic crisis produced by the COVID-19 impact.

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IMD WORLD COMPETITIVENESS BOOKLET 2020