INSEAD, the France-based business school for the world, has published the Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) 2017, an annual study based on research in partnership with the Adecco Group and the Human Capital Leadership Institute of Singapore (HCLI), with Switzerland ranking number one on the list, same as last year.

The latest report explores the effects of technological change on talent competitiveness, arguing that while jobs at all levels continue to be replaced by machines, technology is also creating new opportunities.

“The fast advance of automation and artificial intelligence is the source of the most disruptive changes of our time in the way we live and work,” Alain Dehaze, Adecco Group Chief Executive Officer, said. “The transition will be rocky, so governments and business must act. Education system reforms are urgently needed to provide the right technical and people skills, and the ability to adapt to change. As a multi-career reality becomes the norm, workers must boost employability by committing to life-long learning. At the same time, employment policies must combine employers’ need for flexibility with social protection. Only by working together will we respond to the challenges, unleash the power of work and boost prosperity.” 

Switzerland and Singapore occupy the top spots in GTCI 2017, with four Nordic countries in the top 10 (Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway). The UK and the US rank third and fourth, respectively. 

Countries established in the top rankings have an education system that meets the needs of the economy, a labour market promoting flexibility, mobility and entrepreneurship, said the authors of the study.