Denmark one of the most competitive countries for business

Economic turnaround fuels rebound in rankings

Denmark is one of the ten most competitive countries in the world when it comes to business, according to this year’s International Institute for Management Development (IMD) rankings.

After spending a few years outside of the top ten, the country earned the number nine slot based on achieving top marks in business efficiency and infrastructure, two of the four main categories measured.

These categories cover areas such as the adaptability of companies to market changes, worker motivation and skilled labour.

Earlier this month, the government launched a growth plan with recommendations to make it easier and cheaper to do business in Denmark, improve international recruitment and facilitate access to financing options. The survey pointed at economic improvements such as GDP growth, increased investment and lower personal taxes as part of the reason for the country’s improved ranking.

READ MORE: Blue chips break C20 index record

For the past three years, Denmark has achieved the top position among European countries in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index, thus supporting IMD’s positive evaluation of the Danish business environment.

European rebound
Europe in general performed better than last year thanks to the gradual economic recovery. Scandinavian neighbours Sweden and Norway also cracked the top ten at numbers four and ten respectively.

The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook will be published at the end of June and ranks and analyses the ability of nations to create and maintain a competitive business environment. Countries are measured according to four main areas: Economic Performance, Government Efficiency, Business Efficiency and Infrastructure.

The rankings reflect more than 300 criteria, which are judged based on statistical indicators and an IMD survey of 4,300 international executives.

The IMD business school is located in Lausanne, Switzerland, and is one of the world's premier business and management institutions. 

The complete IMD rankings can be view here




Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.


  • “It’s possible to lead even though you don’t fit the traditional leadership mold”

    “It’s possible to lead even though you don’t fit the traditional leadership mold”

    Describing herself as a “DEI poster child,” being queer, neurodivergent and an international in Denmark didn’t stop Laurence Paquette from climbing the infamous corporate ladder to become Marketing Vice President (VP) at Vestas. Arrived in 2006 from Quebec, Laurence Paquette unpacks the implications of exposing your true self at work, in a country that lets little leeway for individuality

  • Deal reached to bring more foreign workers to Denmark

    Deal reached to bring more foreign workers to Denmark

    Agreement between unions and employers allows more foreign workers in Denmark under lower salary requirements, with new ID card rules and oversight to prevent social dumping and ensure fair conditions.

  • New association helps international nurses and doctors Denmark

    New association helps international nurses and doctors Denmark

    Kadre Darman was founded this year to support foreign-trained healthcare professionals facing challenges with difficult authorisation processes, visa procedures, and language barriers, aiming to help them find jobs and contribute to Denmark’s healthcare system