Ireland remains the most attractive staffing market for the third consecutive year, according to Staffing Industry Analysts’ new report, “Most Attractive Staffing Markets Globally 2017.” Ireland scored well across the criteria measured, particularly with regard to the low level of regulation on temporary agency work, ease of doing business and market competition.

The report assessed 60 different staffing markets across six continents. Sweden took the No. 2 spot, followed by Denmark and Canada, respectively. The US ranked 13th on the list.

The report analyzed each market according to 10 criteria, scoring each component from one to 10. The 2017 score of 64 for the US is down from 66 in the 2016 report, but includes “perfect 10” scores in market size, regulations on temporary agency work and ease of doing business as well as scores of nine in two categories: political stability, and higher education and training.

Not all countries ranked highly. But while those with lower rankings may present additional challenges, they should not be considered “unattractive” as they are also among the more immature markets that, by nature, offer the most long-term growth potential.

“This report provides a framework by which to evaluate and maximize growth opportunities in global markets,” said Staffing Industry Analysts President Barry Asin. “As the staffing industry continues to evolve, in both established and emerging markets, companies seeking to expand or align services in new regions need to consider a cross section of criteria to ensure that they are well-positioned to take initiatives forward in markets suitable to their strengths, vision and capabilities.”

Corporate members of Staffing Industry Analysts can access the full report online. It includes an Excel-based Market Attractiveness Assessment Tool that allows users to conduct their own assessment based on the indicators that they perceive as most relevant to their business activities.