On the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, Croatia Firmly Holds the Lower Part of the Table

The Institute for Business Management Development (IMD) from Lausanne, whose partner institute is the National Competitiveness Council, has published the results of the report 'IMD – World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2021. Croatia ranked 55th out of a total of 64 leading world economies, which is a decline of 3 positions compared to last year.

IMD – World Digital Competitiveness Ranking measures the ability and readiness of countries to adopt and explore digital technologies as a key driver of economic transformation in business, management, and broader society.

It is based on the analysis of 3 factors: knowledge, technology, and readiness for the future. Each of these three factors is divided into 3 sub-factors containing a total of 52 criteria. Statistical data (2/3) and data collected from business opinion surveys (1/3) are used to research digital competitiveness. The survey was conducted in February and March of this year.

The Knowledge factor refers to the intangible infrastructure that emphasizes the process of digital transformation through awareness, understanding, and learning of new technologies. The Technology factor assesses the overall context through which the development of digital technologies has been enabled (legislative framework in accordance with technology, availability of capital for investments, and technological infrastructure). The Readiness for the Future factor examines the degree of technology adoption by the Government, the economy, and society in general.

Digital technologies enable the creation of new values and increase the productivity and competitiveness of the country. The role of knowledge creation and talent development, combined with effective regulation and infrastructure, enhances the digital competitiveness of the country. 

– Croatia has shown that despite good indicators in some segments, such as in the acceptance of knowledge and technology, inertia in creating a better framework for the future represents an obstacle to increasing digital competitiveness. The current weaker position of Croatia has likely been negatively affected by the emigration of digital experts, especially the youth. Creating a supportive and developmental social climate, particularly in the digital space, is a priority for Croatia –  emphasized Dr. Ivan Mišetić, acting president of the Council. 

At the top of the digital competitiveness ranking is the USA, followed by Hong Kong, Sweden, Denmark, Singapore, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates.