PH slides two spots in World Digital Competitiveness Ranking

The Philippines dropped by two spots in this year’s World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, placing 61st out of 67 countries, according to a report by the Institute for Management Development (IMD) released Thursday.

The ranking takes into consideration three factors where the country saw ranking downgrades at two categories, namely knowledge ranking 64th (from 63rd last year) and technology ranking 56th (from 51st last year).

Meanwhile, for future-readiness, the Philippines placed 58th from 59th in 2023.

Among the strengths of the Philippines cited in the report, include its graduates in Sciences, female researchers, and investments in telecommunications.

The IMD, on the other hand, listed geopolitical tensions as among the global challenges which it described as “increasingly becoming a defining factor in shaping the digital competitiveness of countries.”

“Another of the most significant challenges to digital competitiveness heading into 2025 is how much disparity exists in the development of digital infrastructure across countries,” IMD said.

“Many economies, particularly in developing regions, lack access to high-speed broadband, reliable electricity, and modern telecommunications networks, which limit their participation in the global digital economy. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), while broadband access has expanded globally, significant gaps remain, especially in rural and underserved areas,” it added.

Singapore topped the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, followed by Switzerland and Denmark.  The US ranked fourth, declining three spots from its ranking last year.

The ranking, produced annually by IMD’s World Competitiveness Center (WCC), uses data and survey responses to measure digital competitiveness among 67 global economies, “exposing their strengths and weaknesses.”—RF, GMA Integrated News