Spain Competitiveness Ranking: Gains & Weaknesses
- Spain has climbed one spot to 39th out of 69 countries in the latest International Classification on Economic Competitiveness.
- Despite the betterment, the report highlights that structural weaknesses in productivity, regulation, and labor market efficiency continue to hamper spain's potential.
- The report acknowledges Spain's positive evolution in certain indicators.
News Directory 3 delivers a thorough analysis of Spain’s standing in the latest Global Competitiveness Ranking. While Spain shows a modest improvement, climbing to 39th the report highlights persistent challenges in productivity and regulatory efficiency.This in-depth look reveals Spain’s strengths, such as advancements in digitalization and education, while also pinpointing crucial weaknesses hindering further growth. Discover how structural reforms are pivotal for Spain’s long-term economic prosperity, especially considering leading nations like Switzerland, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Explore how Spain is responding to the evolving global landscape. Learn more about the primary_keyword gains and the areas for secondary_keyword change. Discover what’s next …
spain improves in Global Competitiveness Ranking
Updated June 19, 2025
Spain has climbed one spot to 39th out of 69 countries in the latest International Classification on Economic Competitiveness. The 2025 World Competitiveness Ranking, compiled by the International Institute for Management Growth (IMD), cites progress in business digitalization and education as primary drivers. The annual report analyzes factors determining a nationS ability to generate prosperity.
Despite the betterment, the report highlights that structural weaknesses in productivity, regulation, and labor market efficiency continue to hamper spain’s potential. The IMD emphasizes that the most competitive economies are those with solid institutions, political stability, and adaptability, rather than simply being large or resource-rich.
The report acknowledges Spain’s positive evolution in certain indicators. However,it cautions that a lack of significant advances in public sector efficiency,institutional cohesion,and the regulatory environment prevents more ample progress in the medium term. The authors stress that a reform agenda is needed to reinforce government efficiency, improve the regulatory environment, and increase institutional cohesion for lasting gains in competitiveness.
Switzerland leads the 2025 ranking,followed by Singapore and Hong Kong. These nations stand out for their institutional strength, infrastructure quality, and governance models that foster political consensus and normative predictability. Government efficiency is identified as a critical factor for maintaining competitiveness in a politically polarized global landscape.
“Government efficiency and fragmentation are closely related,” said Arturo Bris, director of the IMD World Competitiveness Center. “Political and economic consensus generates stability, and vice versa.”
The ranking also highlights the performance of smaller, agile economies. Qatar, boosted by strategic investments in the economy, enters the Top 10 for the first time.
What’s next
Looking ahead, Spain needs to address its structural challenges through thorough reforms to further enhance its global competitiveness and secure long-term economic prosperity.