IMD Still Ranks U.S. No. 1

ByJohn S. McClenahen There are all sorts of global economic rankings. But one of the most closely watched is the annual yearbook of world competitiveness compiled and published by IMD, the International Institute for Management Development, based in Lausanne, Switzerland. And, as it was in 2000 and 2001, the U.S. is No. 1 in the 2002 rankings. Competitiveness of the 49 ranked economies was determined by 314 criteria including productivity and management practices. Finland, up from third last year, is the second most-competitive economy in the world, according to the rankings. Luxembourg is third in 2002 and the Netherlands fourth. Singapore, No. 2 to the U.S. in 2000 and 2001, falls to fifth this year. Rounding out the top 10 are Denmark (No. 6), Switzerland (No. 7), Canada (No. 8), Hong Kong (No. 9) and Ireland (No. 10). Japan, the world's second-largest economy, is ranked No. 30 in 2002, down from No. 26 in 2001 and No. 24 in 2000.