Competitiveness

Latest

Supply chains need more than a tariff calculator

November 19, 2025 • by Christos Cabolis in Competitiveness • 8 min read

New models of economic development are emerging from global trade fragmentation. Supply chain executives must now weigh far more complex trade-offs, says Christos Cabolis ...

Four different paths to digital competitiveness

November 5, 2025 • by Fabian Grimm in Competitiveness • 7 min read

The different ways that economies tackle digital competitiveness can make them at once resilient and vulnerable in today’s increasingly fragmented digital economy, says Fabian Grimm. ...

Play

From resilience to realignment: How global trade is re-wiring without the US

October 30, 2025 • by Christos Cabolis in Competitiveness • 9 min read

The fragmentation of the global trade system is leading to the rise of new trade coalitions and corridors, said economists in a joint IMD-Hinrich Foundation webinar. ...

In an age of disruption, optimism is a leader’s greatest asset

September 29, 2025 • by David Bach in Competitiveness • 8 min read

For decades, efficiency and scale defined competitiveness. Today, resilience and trust matter more – and optimism is what unlocks both. IMD President David Bach explains why Europe’s leaders must combine realism about...

Play

The energy trilemma: why it pays to get the balance right

September 2, 2025 • by Ann-Christin Andersen , Karl Schmedders in Competitiveness • 9 min read

Dealing with the conflicting demands of price, sustainability, and security of energy supplies is challenging, but it’s a useful way to assess your firm’s resilience and agility....

Audio available

successful negotiate and handshake concept, two businessman shake hand with partner to celebration partnership and teamwork, business deal

How to manage power dynamics in high-stakes negotiations

May 6, 2025 • by Anna Cajot in Competitiveness • 8 min read

Former FBI agent Joe Navarro explains how to leverage non-verbal cues, manage power dynamics, and build trust to overcome deadlocks in negotiations....

Play

The Motor City takes a detour from Silicon Valley orthodoxy

April 24, 2025 • by Jerry Davis in Competitiveness • 8 min read

Many regional developers have tried and failed to emulate Silicon Valley’s VC-driven model for innovation. Detroit, the birthplace of Ford, is following an alternative route – with promising results....

Audio available

Buying your way into entrepreneurship: the dss+ journey

April 16, 2025 • by Benoit F. Leleux in Competitiveness • 9 min read

How a private equity-backed corporate carve-out created a successful, sustainable consulting powerhouse...

Adventures in VC: how startups can lure a lead investor

April 11, 2025 • by Jim Pulcrano, Jung Eung Park, Christian Rangen in Competitiveness • 11 min read

Founders searching for funding must be targeted in their approach to securing a lead investor. A global survey of VCs offers valuable insights into what makes them tick....

Play

Breaking barriers or backsliding? The future of workplace equity

March 7, 2025 • by Heather Cairns-Lee, Alexander Fleischmann in Competitiveness • 5 min read

As businesses face growing polarization on DE&I, companies must embed inclusion into their core strategy, empower leaders to drive change, and ensure that the progress made so far is not quietly undone....

Learn Brain Circuits

Join us for daily exercises focusing on issues from team building to developing an actionable sustainability plan to personal development. Go on - they only take five minutes.

Explore Leadership

What makes a great leader? Do you need charisma? How do you inspire your team? Our experts offer actionable insights through first-person narratives, behind-the-scenes interviews and The Help Desk.

Join Membership

Log in here to join in the conversation with the I by IMD community. Your subscription grants you access to the quarterly magazine plus daily articles, videos, podcasts and learning exercises.

Log in or register to enjoy the full experience

Explore first person business intelligence from top minds curated for a global executive audience

img:is([sizes="auto" i],[sizes^="auto," i]){contain-intrinsic-size:3000px 1500px;}img.wp-smiley,img.emoji{display:inline !important;border:none !important;box-shadow:none !important;height:1em !important;width:1em !important;margin:0 .07em !important;vertical-align:-.1em !important;background:none !important;padding:0 !important;}.safe-svg-cover{text-align:center;}.safe-svg-cover .safe-svg-inside{display:inline-block;max-width:100%;}.safe-svg-cover svg{fill:currentColor;height:100%;max-height:100%;max-width:100%;width:100%;}.wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em;}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none;}:root{--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--square:1;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--4-3:4/3;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--3-4:3/4;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--3-2:3/2;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--2-3:2/3;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--16-9:16/9;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--9-16:9/16;--wp--preset--color--black:#000;--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray:#abb8c3;--wp--preset--color--white:#fff;--wp--preset--color--pale-pink:#f78da7;--wp--preset--color--vivid-red:#cf2e2e;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange:#ff6900;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber:#fcb900;--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan:#7bdcb5;--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan:#00d084;--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue:#8ed1fc;--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue:#0693e3;--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple:#9b51e0;--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(6,147,227,1) 0%,#9b51e0 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan:linear-gradient(135deg,#7adcb4 0%,#00d082 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(252,185,0,1) 0%,rgba(255,105,0,1) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(255,105,0,1) 0%,#cf2e2e 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray:linear-gradient(135deg,#eee 0%,#a9b8c3 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum:linear-gradient(135deg,#4aeadc 0%,#9778d1 20%,#cf2aba 40%,#ee2c82 60%,#fb6962 80%,#fef84c 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple:linear-gradient(135deg,#ffceec 0%,#9896f0 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux:linear-gradient(135deg,#fecda5 0%,#fe2d2d 50%,#6b003e 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk:linear-gradient(135deg,#ffcb70 0%,#c751c0 50%,#4158d0 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean:linear-gradient(135deg,#fff5cb 0%,#b6e3d4 50%,#33a7b5 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass:linear-gradient(135deg,#caf880 0%,#71ce7e 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--midnight:linear-gradient(135deg,#020381 0%,#2874fc 100%);--wp--preset--font-size--small:13px;--wp--preset--font-size--medium:20px;--wp--preset--font-size--large:36px;--wp--preset--font-size--x-large:42px;--wp--preset--spacing--20:.44rem;--wp--preset--spacing--30:.67rem;--wp--preset--spacing--40:1rem;--wp--preset--spacing--50:1.5rem;--wp--preset--spacing--60:2.25rem;--wp--preset--spacing--70:3.38rem;--wp--preset--spacing--80:5.06rem;--wp--preset--shadow--natural:6px 6px 9px rgba(0,0,0,.2);--wp--preset--shadow--deep:12px 12px 50px rgba(0,0,0,.4);--wp--preset--shadow--sharp:6px 6px 0px rgba(0,0,0,.2);--wp--preset--shadow--outlined:6px 6px 0px -3px rgba(255,255,255,1),6px 6px rgba(0,0,0,1);--wp--preset--shadow--crisp:6px 6px 0px rgba(0,0,0,1);}:where(.is-layout-flex){gap:.5em;}:where(.is-layout-grid){gap:.5em;}body .is-layout-flex{display:flex;}.is-layout-flex{flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.is-layout-flex > :is(*,div){margin:0;}body .is-layout-grid{display:grid;}.is-layout-grid > :is(*,div){margin:0;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-flex){gap:2em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-grid){gap:2em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-flex){gap:1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-grid){gap:1.25em;}.has-black-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-black-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-black-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red) !important;}.has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-cool-to-warm-spectrum-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum) !important;}.has-blush-light-purple-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple) !important;}.has-blush-bordeaux-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux) !important;}.has-luminous-dusk-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk) !important;}.has-pale-ocean-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean) !important;}.has-electric-grass-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass) !important;}.has-midnight-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--midnight) !important;}.has-small-font-size{font-size:var(--wp--preset--font-size--small) !important;}.has-medium-font-size{font-size:var(--wp--preset--font-size--medium) !important;}.has-large-font-size{font-size:var(--wp--preset--font-size--large) !important;}.has-x-large-font-size{font-size:var(--wp--preset--font-size--x-large) !important;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-flex){gap:1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-grid){gap:1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-flex){gap:2em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-grid){gap:2em;}:root :where(.wp-block-pullquote){font-size:1.5em;line-height:1.6;}.lds-dual-ring{display:inline-block;width:16px;height:16px;}.lds-dual-ring:after{content:" ";display:block;width:16px;height:16px;margin:0px;border-radius:50%;border:3px solid #000;border-color:#000 transparent #000 transparent;animation:lds-dual-ring 1.2s linear infinite;}@keyframes lds-dual-ring{0%{transform:rotate(0deg);}100%{transform:rotate(360deg);}}.ifso-logo-loader{font-size:20px;width:64px;font-family:sans-serif;position:relative;height:auto;font-weight:800;}.ifso-logo-loader:before{content:"";position:absolute;left:30%;top:36%;width:14px;width:7px;height:22px;height:9px;clip-path:polygon(100% 50%,0 0,0 100%);background:#fd5b56;animation:spinAndMoveArrow 2s infinite;}.ifso-logo-loader:after{content:"If So";word-spacing:12px;}@keyframes spinAndMoveArrow{40%{transform:rotate(360deg);}60%{transform:translateX(-5px);}80%{transform:translateX(5px);}100%{transform:translateX(0);}}.ifso-default-content-loader{display:inline-block;}.wpex-timeline > li .wpex-timeline-icon .fa{font-weight:normal;}.wpex-timeline-list,.wpex .wptl-excerpt,.wpex-single-timeline,.wpex,.wptl-filter-box select,.glightbox-clean .gslide-desc,.extl-hoz-sbd-ct,#glightbox-body.extl-lb .gslide-description.description-right p,.wpex-timeline > li .wpex-timeline-label{font-size:30px;}.timeline-media > a{display:inline-block;box-shadow:none;}.wpex-timeline > li .wpex-timeline-label h2 a,.wpex-timeline-icon > a,.wpex.horizontal-timeline .wpex-timeline-label h2 a,.timeline-media > a,time.wpex-timeline-time > a,.wpex-leftdate + a,a.img-left{pointer-events:none;}.wptl-readmore-center,.wptl-readmore{display:none !important;}.wpex-timeline-list.left-tl.wptl-lightbox .wpex-leftdate + a,.wpex-timeline-list.wptl-lightbox a.img-left{pointer-events:auto;}.timeline-details .wptl-excerpt,.timeline-details p{font-size:14px !important;text-align:left;}.timeline-details h2{font-size:18px !important;color:#005dc4;text-align:left;}.timeline-details p a{color:#005dc4;text-decoration:none;}.timeline-details p a:hover{color:#005dc4;text-decoration:none;border-bottom:1px solid #005dc4;}.wpex.horizontal-timeline.ex-multi-item .horizontal-nav li .wpex_point:before,.wpex.horizontal-timeline.ex-multi-item .horizontal-nav li.ex_s_lick-current .wpex_point:before{bottom:-34px;}.wpex.horizontal-timeline .horizontal-nav .ex_s_lick-prev{left:0;}.wpex.horizontal-timeline .horizontal-nav .ex_s_lick-next{right:0;}.elementor-widget-header-video .elementor-widget-container{z-index:auto !important;}.elementor-element.elementor-widget.elementor-widget-header-video{position:relative !important;z-index:100 !important;}.elementor-element.elementor-widget.elementor-widget-header-article{position:relative !important;z-index:100 !important;}.e-con.e-parent:nth-of-type(n+4):not(.e-lazyloaded):not(.e-no-lazyload),.e-con.e-parent:nth-of-type(n+4):not(.e-lazyloaded):not(.e-no-lazyload) *{background-image:none !important;}@media screen and (max-height: 1024px){.e-con.e-parent:nth-of-type(n+3):not(.e-lazyloaded):not(.e-no-lazyload),.e-con.e-parent:nth-of-type(n+3):not(.e-lazyloaded):not(.e-no-lazyload) *{background-image:none !important;}.e-con.e-parent:nth-of-type(n+3):not(.e-lazyloaded):not(.e-no-lazyload).nitro-lazy,.e-con.e-parent:nth-of-type(n+3):not(.e-lazyloaded):not(.e-no-lazyload) *.nitro-lazy{background-image:none !important;}}@media screen and (max-height: 640px){.e-con.e-parent:nth-of-type(n+2):not(.e-lazyloaded):not(.e-no-lazyload),.e-con.e-parent:nth-of-type(n+2):not(.e-lazyloaded):not(.e-no-lazyload) *{background-image:none !important;}.e-con.e-parent:nth-of-type(n+2):not(.e-lazyloaded):not(.e-no-lazyload).nitro-lazy,.e-con.e-parent:nth-of-type(n+2):not(.e-lazyloaded):not(.e-no-lazyload) *.nitro-lazy{background-image:none !important;}}.e-con.e-parent:nth-of-type(n+4):not(.e-lazyloaded):not(.e-no-lazyload).nitro-lazy,.e-con.e-parent:nth-of-type(n+4):not(.e-lazyloaded):not(.e-no-lazyload) *.nitro-lazy{background-image:none !important;}.wistia_channel{margin-left:-90px !important;min-height:50px !important;}@media only screen and (max-width: 480px){.wistia_channel{margin-left:0px !important;}}section[class*=has-][class*=-background-color]:not(.banner-with-cta)+section:not(.block-spacing--top).pt-0,section[class*=has-][class*=-background-color]:not(.banner-with-cta)+.section:not(.block-spacing--top).pt-0,.section[class*=has-][class*=-background-color]:not(.banner-with-cta)+section:not(.block-spacing--top).pt-0,.section[class*=has-][class*=-background-color]:not(.banner-with-cta)+.section:not(.block-spacing--top).pt-0{margin-top:0;}x-html{overflow-x:hidden;}wistia-player[media-id='uvoimm4gb5']:not(:defined){background:center/contain no-repeat url("https://cdn-ilefpmj.nitrocdn.com/YcQlPKNemhEWpBNHCvSNOZXWhRVLPzle/assets/desktop/optimized/rev-4e6ca8c/fast.wistia.com/embed/medias/uvoimm4gb5/swatch");display:block;filter:blur(5px);padding-top:56.25%;}wistia-player[media-id='l9v5l1x2cz']:not(:defined){background:center/contain no-repeat url("https://cdn-ilefpmj.nitrocdn.com/YcQlPKNemhEWpBNHCvSNOZXWhRVLPzle/assets/desktop/optimized/rev-4e6ca8c/fast.wistia.com/embed/medias/l9v5l1x2cz/swatch");display:block;filter:blur(5px);padding-top:56.25%;}

How the Gulf is inspiring the world to build cities that champion quality of life

Latest

Learn Brain Circuits

Explore Leadership

Join Membership

Log in or register to enjoy the full experience