Posted on 03/11/2013 7:56:30 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
The United States was ranked the seventh-most economically competitive country in the world, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report for 2012-2013.
The WEF defines competitiveness as "the set of institutions, policies, and factors that determine the level of productivity of a country."
While the U.S. benefits greatly from the sheer size of its economy, excellent universities, flexible labor markets, and innovative businesses, it's falling behind on the overall quality of infrastructure.
The U.S. ranked 25 in this category, falling behind countries like Saudi Arabia, Spain, and South Korea. We took a closer look at those 24 countries with better infrastructures than the U.S.
24. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom ranks 3rd for airline seats per capita, and 22 for air overall transportation infrastructure.
The country's economy was driven by an efficient labor market. According to the WEF, it has "sophisticated and innovative businesses that are highly adept at harnessing the latest technologies."
Global Competitiveness Index: 8 out of 144
Source: World Economic Forum
23. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia ranks 3rd for mobile telephone subscriptions per capita and 12th for quality of roads. Saudi Arabia ranks in the top 30 for all categories.
Its global competitiveness has improved thanks to more stable economic policy and its productivity has improved thanks to its use of IT.
Global Competitiveness Index: 18 out of 144
Source: World Economic Forum
22. South Korea
South Korea ranks 10th for quality of railroads and 17th for quality of roads. It ranks in the top 30 for all categories.
The country operates in a "sound macroeconomic environment." It also ranks highly in terms of education and it's known for its ability to innovate.
Global Competitiveness Index: 19 out of 144
Source: World Economic Forum
(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...
If we didn't have our government sucking the life out of us... "Studies" like this would be nonsensical in the extreme.
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