Just like last year, Finland was placed second in the competitiveness comparison compiled by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Top of the table was Switzerland and third came Sweden. Last year's top position was held by the United States, which has now fallen to sixth.

According to the WEF's comparison, Finland's strengths include the openness and efficiency of its public management and private sector. Finland is also supreme as a provider of high-level university education, which is considered to be an indispensable factor for a country to be able to adapt flexibly to rapid changes. The private sector in Finland is also open to new technologies.

Finland's weakest points were in the indices assessing the operation of markets and business skills.

The WEF analyses annually the economy and business life, education, technological capabilities and innovations, and the institutions and infrastructure of 125 countries. The comparison uses global competitiveness indices and endeavours to take into account the various development stages of the countries concerned. Evaluating is based on public information material and postal and internet questionnaires sent to corporate leaders throughout the world.

>> www.weforum.org