In relation to the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa), in which it is part of a group of 45 countries, it rose to 23rd place. Among the 37 countries with a population of less than 20 million people, it maintained its 21st ranking.

The study, conducted by the IMD and which, at the national level, has the exclusive partnership of Porto Business School, demonstrates that Portugal is part of an intermediate group of digital maturity, with consistent progress, but evident structural challenges.

Digital advancement

It is worth highlighting that, with this result, the country has risen in the ranking for the third consecutive year, despite the highly demanding competitive landscape in the EMEA region. Compared to geographically or economically close countries – such as Spain, Ireland, or Italy – Portugal's performance reveals relative strength. According to IMD indicators, Portugal remains ahead of these countries in global competitiveness indicators, reinforcing the strategic relevance of its digital advancement.

Among the three categories evaluated, Portugal rose one position in "Knowledge," reaching 28th place. In this regard, the results obtained in the areas of "Talent" (25th) and "Scientific Concentration" (25th) stand out. The greatest strength identified was the "Student-to-teacher ratio (higher education)," where Portugal occupies the 10th position. On the other hand, it is among the last (61st) in "Employee Training." In the "Technology" factor, Portugal maintained its 36th position, thanks to the results obtained in the parameters "Regulatory Framework" (20th) and "Capital" (45th). Here, "Immigration Laws" (5th) and "Communication Technologies" (8th) are identified as the main Portuguese competitive advantages, in contrast to the weaknesses in "Wireless Broadband" (56th) and "High-Tech Exports (%)" (52nd).

Finally, and in the opposite direction, the country lost a ranking in the "Preparedness for the Future" category. This drop is linked to the low "Business Agility" (58th) and the weak "Use of Big Data and Analytics" – the main weaknesses identified by the IMD – dimensions highly valued in the global scenario. Portugal's main strengths in this field are related to the sub-factors of "Legislation for Privacy Protection" (2nd) and "Flexibility and Adaptability" (11th).

“Consistent”

José Esteves, dean of Porto Business School, says: “For the third consecutive year, Portugal has risen in the ranking, a clear sign that we are building a consistent trajectory of progress in digital competitiveness. But this advance is not just a reason for satisfaction – it is above all an invitation to ambition. If we want to consolidate this dynamic, we now need to accelerate: develop talent with new skills, integrate analytics into business decisions, and create more agile organizations prepared for technological disruption. As exclusive partners of IMD in Portugal, at Porto Business School we assume the responsibility of transforming this data into action.”

Switzerland leads

Switzerland (1st), USA (2nd) and Singapore (3rd) are the most digitally advanced countries among the 69 global economies assessed by this year's Digital Competitiveness Ranking. The document also reports that leaders worldwide are dealing with the unpredictability of AI, talent flows and regulatory developments, and these three countries prove that world-class infrastructures and talent pools are currently adequate mechanisms in which to... Trust.

This analysis reveals common points that are particularly relevant to the Portuguese context, demonstrating that digital competitiveness depends not only on technology, but above all on the ability to mobilize talent, transform business models, and accelerate the adoption of analytical tools. Portugal has been continuously evolving, but international cases show that progressive investment in these dimensions is crucial to consolidating a stronger position on the global stage.

The report indicates, however, that this paradigm may change, as trade tensions are increasingly affecting data flows, technical standards, and investment priorities. Faced with current trade fragmentation, countries and regions are in a race against time to find common ground.