Ireland's Global Rating
Ireland competes for investment on a global scale and the location options for business are constantly evolving and changing. It is important to know and understand Ireland's relative position in terms of economic performance, attractiveness for foreign direct investment and global competitiveness compared to other developed and competitor countries throughout the world. The ratings data compiled in this section from a variety of international sources are some of the indicators of interest to business investors.
The MOST GLOBALISED Country for 3 consecutive years...
Globalisation and its impact; the index measures economic, person-to-person, political and technological integration across 62 countries, accounting for 96% of the world's GDP and 85% of the world's population. Out of 62 countries, Ireland has been ranked 1st for three consecutive years.
Source: AT Kearney / Foreign Policy Magazine Globalisation Index, 2004
FIRST in Foreign Direct Investment Flows as a % of GDP
This indicator, of 60 countries surveyed, measures inward flows of FDI in US$ as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product or the total value of all goods and services produced in Ireland.
Source: IMD, World Competitiveness Year Book, 2004
FIRST in Portfolio Investment (assets US$ billions)
This ranking demonstrates, of 60 countries surveyed, the size of the financial assets held by overseas companies in Ireland and the success of its global financial services industry.
Source: IMD, World Competitiveness Year Book, 2004
THIRD in Overall Productivity (GDP Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) per person employed)
Of 60 countries surveyed, this is a measure of the value added and productive capabilities of the economy including its competitiveness. Productivity performance expressed on a purchasing power parity basis allows for international comparison by taking account of exchange rate / currency differences.
Source: IMD, World Competitiveness Year Book, 2004
FIRST for Quality of Life
Out of 111 countries surveyed, Ireland was the most attractive place to live and work in the world. According to the EIU, Ireland ranked first because it successfully combined the most desirable elements of the new - material wellbeing, low unemployment rates, and political liberties - with the preservation of certain life satisfaction-enhancing elements of the old - such as stable family and community life.
Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit; Worldwide Quality-of Life Index 2005
FIRST for Corporate Tax Rate on Profit
Of 60 countries surveyed, this indicator highlights Ireland's very attractive corporate tax rate in a global context and the likely high after tax-rate of return on investments. This is the calculation of maximum tax rate, calculated on profit before tax.
Source: IMD, World Competitiveness Year Book, 2004
HIGHEST output of Science and Engineering Graduates
This data compares the position of Ireland within Europe and its member states and with the main competitor locations in Science and Technology, Japan and the US
Source: EU Directorate-General for Research: Third European Report on Science and Technology Indicators 2003; per 1000 population aged 20-34
SECOND in Higher Education Achievement
Of 60 countries surveyed; this shows the percentage of the population in the 25-34 age group that have attained at least a third Level education.
Source: IMD, World Competitiveness Year Book, 2004
FIRST in Creativity
Of 30 countries surveyed, Ireland was ranked number one for its new 'creative class' whose values and lifestyles will drive the 21st Century knowledge economy, its technologies and social structures.
Source: The Rise of the Creative Class, Richard Florida published by Basic Books, 2004
Ranked in the TOP 15 R&D Collaborations between Business and Academia
This is an indicator of one of the key characteristics of a modern, innovation-driven economy i.e. the formation of Research and Development (R&D) collaborations and networks between industry and academia. The output of shared knowledge and technology linked to business commercialisation capability is a highly desirable economic driver. Ireland was ranked 11th out of 102 countries surveyed.
Source: IMD, World Competitiveness Year Book, 2004
THIRD in Flexibility and Adaptability
Of 60 countries surveyed, this indicator refers to the ease and effectiveness with which people in the economy embrace change and respond to challenges.
Source: IMD, World Competitiveness Year Book, 2004