Switzerland takes third place in Elite Quality Index 2025

According to a press release from the University of St.Gallen (HSG), Switzerland has taken third place in the Elite Quality Index this year. The study performed by HSG in collaboration with international academic partners compares 151 countries based on the quality of their business models generating the highest income. For this, the extent to which these elite business models create or skim off value for their countries is investigated.

Versus the previous year, Switzerland has fallen one place in the current index. Singapore has defended its pole position from 2024, while the USA has jumped from 16th place to second. HSG provides all index data on an interactive webpage.

Switzerland attributes its position among the leaders to a model with robust institutes that are supported by elite business models that target sustainable value, HSG writes, adding: “Swiss elites operate in a system that is shaped by transparency, decentralization, and accountability. These characteristics promote institutionalized, inner-elite competition and contribute to political legitimacy as well as economic efficiency.” At the same time, the university warns that this institutional strength can lead to complacency.

According to the study, Switzerland shows potential for improvement regarding investments in “creative destruction.” Additionally, the significant concentration of economic power with the economic elite as well as the low proportion of women in leading roles is said to be problematic.