Switzerland Tops IMD’s 2025 Digital Competitiveness Ranking
Switzerland retains its leading position in digital competitiveness despite rising global trade tensions, surpassing the United States and Singapore. The country heads the 2025 IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR), highlighting its status as a foremost digital economy.
The annual ranking, published by the Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, evaluates 69 economies based on their capacity to adopt and leverage digital technologies for economic and social progress. Switzerland’s top placement reflects its robust digital infrastructure, strong education system, and dynamic innovation ecosystem.
Emerging Challenges and Expert Insights
IMD experts caution that increasing trade fragmentation and evolving regulatory environments may endanger Switzerland’s digital dominance in the near future. Arturo Bris, Director of IMD’s World Competitiveness Center (WCC), notes two significant developments in Switzerland this year:
- The profound impact of tariff changes.
- The narrow approval of the electronic ID (e-ID) system with 50.4% in favor.
“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. “It’s clear that the Swiss aren’t as prepared as we might have hoped to embrace the challenges of technology today.”
IMD also highlights that trade disputes increasingly obstruct data exchange, technical standards, and investment strategies, all of which critically influence global digital competitiveness.
Ranking Summary
- 1st place: Switzerland
- 2nd place: United States
- 3rd place: Singapore
According to IMD, trade tensions restrain data flow and affect technical standards, shaping the competitive edge of nations in the digital era.
Author’s Summary
Switzerland remains the global leader in digital competitiveness, but emerging trade and regulatory challenges pose risks to its dominant position.