The Netherlands Achieves Second Place in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2023

Second position in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2023 reflects Dutch strength in the digital sector

The country’s ascent to the second spot reflects its dedication to creating a conducive environment for digital growth and innovation. A robust digital infrastructure, forward-thinking policies, and strategic investments in technology have positioned the Netherlands as a prominent player in the global digital arena.

Additionally, the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking acknowledges the effectiveness of the Netherlands’ regulatory framework, which nurtures a business-friendly atmosphere for digital enterprises.

Dutch approach to digitalization

The Dutch government leads digitalization and innovation by promoting collaborations between private enterprises and research sectors. Central to this approach are strategic partnerships and a supportive business environment, with financial support readily available for public-private collaborations to address regulatory hurdles.

The Dutch Digitalization Strategy, driven by the government’s commitment to advancing IT and Tech, employs a dual strategy. This strategy aims to expedite digitalization in sectors such as Life Sciences and Health, Agrifood and Fintech, while simultaneously strengthening the digital foundation in areas like cybersecurity, privacy, digital skills, and fair competition.

An essential tenet of the Dutch Digitalization Strategy is ensuring that every individual in the Netherlands possesses the requisite digital skills. The tech-savvy Dutch population, acting as digital pioneers, adopts new digital applications enthusiastically, positioning the Netherlands as an excellent testing ground for novel concepts and products.

About IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking

The IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, conducted annually by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) through its World Competitiveness Center, assesses various factors, including the regulatory environment, technology infrastructure, business agility, and overall digital readiness of economies. The ranking combines objective criteria with survey responses from business executives, offering a comprehensive view of each country’s digital competitiveness.

Source: IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking