The UK is ranked seventh out of over 100 leading economies, in the first edition of the Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI), based on research in partnership with the Human Capital Leadership Institute of Singapore (HCLI) and Adecco.
The GTCI measures a nation’s competitiveness based on the quality of talent it can produce, attract and retain. It measures how countries score against six pillars: enablers, attract, grow, retain, labour and vocational skills and global knowledge skills.
Bruno Lanvin, executive director for global indices at INSEAD and co-author of the report, said: “Talent attractiveness is becoming the true currency by which countries, regions and cities compete with each other.”
UK scores highly
The UK scored top on university rankings and quality of management skills. It also scored highly on the ability to promote lifelong learning and business environment. It scored less well in global knowledge skills, FDI inflow and pupil-teacher ratio.
Peter Searle, chief executive of Adecco Group UK & Ireland, said: “Britain needs a clear plan to ensure it attracts and retains talent to maintain its competitive position in the global economy where people are a vital resource for growth.
“Compared to many, Britain is already a successful hub in attracting skilled workers, but there is no room for complacency; we still have unacceptable levels of youth unemployment and many young people lacking the skills and knowledge to secure their first job.”
The top 10
European countries dominate the top 10. The top 10 countries for global talent competitiveness are:
- Switzerland
- Singapore
- Denmark
- Sweden
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- UK
- Finland
- US
- Iceland
Kwan Chee Wei, CEO of HCLI, said: “Nations, particularly those looking to enhance their talent capabilities, cannot take just one variable and concentrate on improving that particular field. Rather, they should take a holistic approach to establish a talent eco-system of Government, business and education to address the multifaceted challenges of employability.”
