Puerto Rico has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation, technology, and global competitiveness, achieving a favorable ranking in the prestigious IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR). Positioned at 44 out of 67 economies, the island is recognized as one of the most digitally competitive territories in Latin America, second only to Chile and ahead of larger economies like Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia.
This ranking is a testament to the island’s resilience, adaptability, and potential to drive economic growth in an increasingly digital global marketplace. For investors and entrepreneurs, Puerto Rico’s performance highlights its value proposition as a destination for innovation, business, and technological advancement.
The IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking is an annual report published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland. It evaluates economies on their ability to adopt and leverage digital technologies to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic transformation. The ranking is based on three key pillars:
- Knowledge – Measuring talent development, education, and research capabilities.
- Technology – Evaluating infrastructure, regulations, and digital investment.
- Future Readiness – Assessing agility, innovation, and adaptability to digital trends.
A strong performance in this ranking reflects an economy’s capacity to leverage digital tools for efficiency, productivity, and quality of life improvements, ultimately driving competitiveness and investment appeal.
Puerto Rico’s Competitive Edge
The island’s ranking reflects both its strengths and the opportunities it has seized to position itself as a leader in digital competitiveness. Notable highlights from this year’s analysis include:
Knowledge
- #1 in R&D personnel per capita, showcasing the island’s commitment to innovation through a highly skilled workforce.
- #3 in women with degrees, highlighting gender inclusivity in education and STEM-related fields.
- Strong investments in education, including a top-25 ranking in tertiary education pupil-teacher ratio.
Technology
- #1 in high-tech exports, driven by Puerto Rico’s biopharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing sectors.
- #2 in telecommunications investment, ensuring a robust infrastructure to support business growth.
- #4 in mobile broadband subscribers, reflecting widespread digital connectivity.
Future Readiness
- A strong #22 in entrepreneurial fear of failure (EFoF), pointing to a resilient and innovative business culture.
- Public-private partnerships and regulatory frameworks that encourage collaboration and investment.
These metrics reflect Puerto Rico’s dedication to building a vibrant digital ecosystem that meets the demands of global investors and businesses.
Why Puerto Rico Stands Out
The ranking aligns with Puerto Rico’s broader economic development strategy, led by initiatives like the 21st Century Techforce and BioInnovate, which focus on enhancing workforce capabilities and supporting advanced manufacturing. The inclusion in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking validates these programs as critical pillars for positioning Puerto Rico as a leader in digital transformation and innovation.
The 21st Century Techforce initiative plays a vital role in ensuring Puerto Rico has the talent pipeline needed to meet the demands of the digital economy. By training 50,000 additional STEM professionals over the next decade, the program addresses global shortages in fields like automation, robotics, and AI, ensuring the island remains competitive. Meanwhile, BioInnovate contributes to Puerto Rico’s growing strength in biosciences and advanced manufacturing, offering training and credentialing programs for roles in biotechnology, research & development, and regulatory sciences. With the island’s high-tech exports ranked #1 in the IMD study, BioInnovate supports continued leadership by cultivating specialized talent and enabling businesses to capitalize on new opportunities in life sciences and pharmaceutical innovation.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate how Puerto Rico is leveraging strategic workforce development to align with its standing in the IMD rankings. For investors, this means access to a robust and highly trained talent pool that is actively supported by forward-thinking policies and programs, ensuring businesses can adapt to emerging technologies and global trends.
To see the full IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, click here. Ready to invest in Puerto Rico’s innovative ecosystem? Contact Invest Puerto Rico today to learn how the island can help your business thrive.
