IMD 2026: Slovenia maintains recognizable competitive advantages in the international environment
Slovenia ranked 49th in the IMD 2026 Global Competitiveness Index. Although it fell three places compared to last year, its competitive position in the broader European context remains relatively stable, as most EU countries also saw their rankings deteriorate. Slovenia continues to rank among the best in the areas of international trade, infrastructure, security, low income inequality and the quality of human capital, which remains an important basis for future growth.
The results also show that measures in the areas of increasing productivity, institutional efficiency, the innovation environment, and attracting and developing talent will be key to strengthening competitiveness in the long term.
The IMD survey measures the ability of countries to create and maintain an environment that fosters the competitiveness of businesses and the long-term well-being of their citizens. It is based on 262 indicators that combine statistical data and assessments of managers from micro, small, medium and large enterprises, and assesses competitiveness through four key areas: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.
The overall ranking primarily reflects the relative competitive position of a country compared to other countries over a longer period of time. Slovenia remains in the group of countries with medium-high competitiveness with clearly expressed individual areas of excellence. The results can also be influenced by various cyclical factors, including the time dynamics of the manager survey.
In the field of international trade, Slovenia ranks a high 8th, confirming its strong integration into global economic flows. Important advantages also include research infrastructure, low unemployment rate and high level of economic complexity of the economy.
This year's results also highlight areas where further action is needed to strengthen competitiveness in the long term. Key challenges remain productivity, institutional efficiency, the innovation environment, digital transformation, and attracting and developing talent.
At SPIRIT Slovenia, a public agency, we have been supporting competitiveness research based on the IMD methodology for many years and we use the findings in promoting the Slovenian economy abroad, cooperating with investors, and designing activities in the field of internationalization and attracting foreign direct investment.
More about the results of the IMD 2026 survey.
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