UK slips down global competitiveness index as Switzerland tops the league

The UK has lost its spot as the ninth most competitive economy in the world after it dropped one place to tenth, according to a study by the World Economic Forum. The WEF Global Competitiveness Index showed Sweden overtook the UK to reach ninth place, while Switzerland tops the chart and Singapore is second.

According to the WEF, strong innovation and sophistication of companies led to an improved place in the index for Sweden, which was tenth in 2014.

"Today's figures show that the UK remains one of the top 10 best places in the world to start and grow a business," a government spokeswoman from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. "Our economy is growing faster than any other G7 nation and we are the top destination for inward investment in Europe. Our focus is firmly fixed on increasing productivity."

In terms of productivity, the WEF said the global economy is harmed by the authorities' failure to boost productivity and give entrepreneurial talent more freedom.

Some European countries with weaker economies were singled out by the WEF for making "significant strides in bolstering competitiveness". It said: "Thanks to reform packages aimed at improving the functioning of markets, Spain and Italy climb two and six places respectively. Similar improvements in the product and labour market in France and Portugal are outweighed by a weakening performance in other areas."

Unsurprisingly, Greece was the lowest listed developed economy, in 81st place. However, the WEF said the country's ranking was based on data collected before the signing of the bailout deal. Meanwhile, emerging markets are failing to climb up on the competitiveness ranking.

Here are the top 30 most competitive economies in the world right now, based on data provided by WEF.

1. Switzerland
2. Singapore
3. United States
4. Germany
5. Netherlands
6. Japan
7. Hong Kong SAR
8. Finland
9. Sweden
10. United Kingdom
11. Norway
12. Denmark
13. Canada
14. Qatar
15. Taiwan, China
16. New Zealand
17. United Arab Emirates
18. Malaysia
19. Belgium
20. Luxembourg
21. Australia
22. France
23. Austria
24. Ireland
25. Saudi Arabia
26. Korea, Rep
27. Israel
28. China
29. Iceland
30. Estonia