IMD World Talent Ranking 2021

Preface

One of the most affected economic areas from COVID-19 worldwide is the labor market. For some positions, the skills and competences required can be performed at a distance, essentially substituting the work-office with a home-office. The separation of individuals from their workplace has brought not only a degree of deterioration to the organizational culture but has also increased the distance among staff. It is in this environment that we are launching the eighth edition of the IMD World Talent Ranking . The IMD World Talent Ranking assesses the extent to which an economy develops its domestic talent pool while tapping into the overseas pipeline so as to be able to satisfy the market’s demands for talent. In doing so, talent competitive economies bolster their overall competitiveness. While studying 64 economies, the ranking first evaluates an economy’s efforts to boost its domestic talent (i.e., Investment and Development factor); second, its ability to retain the local talent while drawing from the international talent pool (i.e., Appeal factor); and third, the ranking traces the skills and competencies available in a particular economy (i.e., Readiness factor). The current report suggests that organizational leadership in combination with the quality of life a particular country offers, largely drive high levels of worker motivation displayed by highly talent- competitive countries. It also displays that policies adapted to address the pandemic contributed to the decline of any brain drain impact on talent competitiveness. Finally, it shows that talent- competitive countries find a balance between the effectiveness of their local talent force and attracting international highly skilled staff. Once again we are indebted to our many stakeholders for the support and assistance they provide. Partner Institutes worldwide, the IMD Alumni community and our Panel of Experts from all the countries we study offer data and insights that are crucial for the completion of the ranking. We are, as always, most appreciative for their encouragement and help. The reason you have this publication in your hands now is, for a great part, because of our stakeholders. We are most thankful!

Professor Arturo Bris Director IMD World Competitiveness Center

Dr Christos Cabolis Chief Economist & Head of Operations IMD World Competitiveness Center

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IMD WORLD TALENT RANK ING 2021