The following sections discuss the findings of the GCI 2013–2014 for the top performers globally, as well as for a number of selected economies in each of the five following regions: North America, Europe, and Eurasia; Asia and the Pacific; Latin America and the Caribbean; the Middle East and North Africa; and sub-Saharan Africa.1 Top 10 As in previous years, this year’s top 10 remain dominated by a number of European countries, with Switzerland, Finland, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom confirming their places among the most competitive economies. Three Asian countries also figure in top 10, with Singapore remaining the second-most competitive economy in the world, and Hong Kong SAR and Japan placing 7th and 9th. It is worth noting that a vast majority of the top 10 most competitive economies share strengths in innovation and a strong institutional framework. Switzerland retains its 1st place position again this year as a result of its continuing strong performance across the board. The country’s most notable strengths are related to innovation and labor market efficiency as well as the sophistication of its business sector (ranking 2nd in all three). Switzerland’s top-notch scientific research institutions, along with other factors, make the country a top innovator. Productivity is further enhanced by a business sector that offers excellent on- the-job-training opportunities, both citizens and private companies that are proactive at adapting the latest technologies, and labor markets that balance employee protection with business efficiency. Moreover, public institutions in Switzerland are among the most effective and transparent in the world (5th). Governance structures ensure a level playing field, enhancing business confidence: these include an independent judiciary, a strong rule of law, and a highly accountable public sector. Competitiveness is also buttressed by excellent infrastructure (6th) and highly developed financial markets (11th). Finally, Switzerland’s macroeconomic environment is among the most stable in the world (11th) at a time when many neighboring economies continue to struggle in this area. While Switzerland demonstrates many competitive strengths, maintaining its innovative capacity will require boosting the university enrollment rate of 56.8 percent, and also increasing the participation rate of women in the economy (86 percent) which continue to trail many other high-innovation countries.