The annual IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook analyses the capacity of countries to stimulate and sustain business competitiveness, using a composite competitiveness index based on four pillars: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. In 2018, France rose three places and is now ranked 28th in the world.

The 2018 rankings highlight a clear improvement in France's position in the business environment, thanks in particular to a number of key strengths. They have enabled France to strengthen its competitiveness in a highly competitive environment, and include:

  • - Infrastructure that are among the best in the world (ranked 12th for scientific infrastructure, and 11th for health and environmental infrastructure);
  • Excellent innovation and scientific performances (ranked third for qualified engineers available in the job market, sixth for business R&D expenditure, and fourth for Nobel Prizes since 1950);
  • A highly productive workforce (ranked sixth for qualifications, 12th for hourly productivity, 13th for productivity per person);
  • An internationally focused economy (ranked world’s fourth exporter of services, eighth exporter of goods, seventh in terms of outward FDI stock, and 11th in terms of inward FDI stock).

For further information, click here to read our summary document and  here to read our press release.