The Netherlands is the most competitive economy in EU this year

The Netherlands climbs to fourth place in World Economic Forum’s global competitiveness index

The Netherlands has climbed to fourth place in the world, and first in Europe in the Global Competitiveness Index, according to the 2016-2017 Global Competitiveness Report, which has just been published by the World Economic Forum (WEF). This annual indicator of international competitiveness involved studies carried out in 138 countries. Data for the Netherlands was collected by INSCOPE Research for Innovation research institute, led by Professor Henk W. Volberda. INSCOPE is a partner institute of the World Economic Forum, and is part of the Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), a joint research institute of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE).

Prof. Volberda indicated the main findings of the report:

1. Continuing climb

The Netherlands has continued climbing up the ranks of the WEF Global Competitiveness Index. The country is now ranked fourth, which makes it the most competitive economy in the European Union.

2. Competitiveness in jeopardy

The macroeconomic policy implemented by the Dutch Cabinet, as well as job market reforms, continue to improve the Netherlands’ level of competitiveness. However, the Netherlands’ level of competitiveness continues to be jeopardised by the condition of the financial markets.

3. Top policy drives improvement

The Dutch ‘top industry policy’, aimed at reinforcing competitive industries, has contributed to a further improvement of the innovation-oriented partnership system. This is one of the driving forces of economic growth in today’s new economy.

4. Sweden and UK among movers and shakers

Switzerland, Singapore and the USA managed to retain their positions at the top of the global rankings. Sweden and the United Kingdom have climbed a few spots in the top 10, at the expense of Japan, Hong Kong and Finland.

5. Disparity among EU member states

There are still large disparities in the competitiveness and innovation levels of the various EU member states.

6. Monetary policy insufficient

The central banks’ monetary policy will not suffice to realise financial growth.

7. Shielding tactics may compromise growth

National governments are increasingly shielding their economies from foreign competitors and are implementing protectionist measures, which may compromise future growth and prosperity.

These results were partially based on the annual Executive Opinion Survey, which was once again carried out among major Dutch companies and small and medium-sized enterprises by the INSCOPE Research for Innovation Centre of Excellence. The project was supervised by Prof. Henk W. Volberda, who conducted the study in association with his researchers Roeland Diks, Iris van der Velden, Jorian Heil and Nick van den Boogaart. Data was analysed by researchers Dr Rick Hollen and Dr Kevin Heij.

The entire report for the Netherlands can be downloaded here (in Dutch). The full report can be downloaded in English.

More information

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) is one of Europe’s top-ranked business schools. RSM provides ground-breaking research and education furthering excellence in all aspects of management and is based in the international port city of Rotterdam – a vital nexus of business, logistics and trade. RSM’s primary focus is on developing business leaders with international careers who can become a force for positive change by carrying their innovative mindset into a sustainable future. Our first-class range of bachelor, master, MBA, PhD and executive programmes encourage them to become critical, creative, caring and collaborative thinkers and doers. www.rsm.nl

For more information about RSM or this release, please contact Erika Harriford-McLaren, Media & Public Relations Manager for RSM, on +31 10 408 2877 or by email at harriford@rsm.nl.