Switzerland Tops IMD’s 2025 Digital Competitiveness Ranking
Switzerland continues to lead in digital competitiveness in 2025, outranking the United States and Singapore. The country secures the top spot in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR), showcasing its position as one of the most advanced digital economies globally.
Ranking Overview
The annual report, published by the Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, evaluates 69 economies based on their ability to adopt and leverage digital technologies for economic and social progress. Switzerland ranks first, followed by the United States and Singapore.
Key Strengths
- Robust digital infrastructure
- Strong educational system
- Thriving innovation ecosystems
Challenges Ahead
“Digitally speaking, Switzerland has experienced two important developments so far this year: the cataclysmic effects of tariff changes and the approval of e-ID by a razor-thin margin (50.4% in favor),” said Arturo Bris, Director of IMD’s World Competitiveness Center (WCC). “It’s clear that the Swiss aren’t as prepared as we might have hoped to embrace the challenges of technology today.”
IMD experts caution that increasing trade fragmentation and changing regulatory frameworks could threaten Switzerland’s lead in digital competitiveness in the near future.
Global Digital Competitiveness Factors
The IMD report highlights that global trade tensions are impacting key areas such as data flows, technical standards, and investment decisions, all of which influence nations’ digital capabilities worldwide.
“Trade tensions are increasingly encroaching on data flows, technical standards, and investment priorities, factors that are shaping digital competitiveness worldwide,” noted the IMD analysis.
Author's summary: Switzerland retains its top position in digital competitiveness thanks to strong infrastructure and innovation, yet growing global trade and regulatory challenges may impact its future leadership.