Global Benchmark Report 2010
For the sixth year in a row, the Global Benchmark Report 2010 examines how the global challenge is met in the OECD countries. The report highlights strengths and weaknesses in a globalised world, giving a picture of each country’s ability to seize the opportunities presented by globalisation.
Switzerland stands out as having distinctively more top-3 positions than the other OECD countries. Switzerland achieves 26 top-3 positions, which is four more than last year. Switzerland is followed by Korea, Finland and the United States which all obtain 17 or more top-3 positions.
Growth and development
Korea is the best performer on growth and development. The Korean strengths include high growth in labour productivity and exports, and the country has low public debt. Switzerland and the United States are in the following positions.
Knowledge and competences
Korea ranks highest in knowledge and competences. The front runner position is based on massive investment in research and development, and generally a large portion of GDP is invested in the education of the population. This has resulted in a high share of young people completing a secondary degree.
Business flexibility
Though Iceland is badly affected by the crisis, the country takes the leading position on the indicators for business flexibility. Switzerland and Denmark achieve the second and third position respectively.
Enterprise and entrepreneurship
Australia has taken over the leading position from Iceland on the indicators for enterprise and entrepreneurship. This new ranking is due to Australia’s strong mentality of competitiveness, a high level of flexibility and adaptability and very few legislative barriers for the creation of new firms.
Costs and taxation
Korea once again takes the lead in this category and is also this year followed by the United States and Spain.
Internationalisation and openness
Switzerland has taken over the position from Ireland as the leading OECD country regarding internationalisation and openness. Ireland ranks number two and the Netherlands ranks number three, similar to last year.
