DON’T MISS
IamExpat FairIamExpat Job BoardIamExpat Webinars
Newsletters
EXPAT INFO
CAREER
HOUSING
EDUCATION
LIFESTYLE
EXPAT SERVICES
NEWS & ARTICLES
Home
Expat Info
Dutch news & articles
The Netherlands ranks second in global productivity potential
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

The Netherlands ranks second in global productivity potential

Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
or
follow us for regular updates:



Related Stories

The Netherlands drops on the KidsRights Index The Netherlands drops on the KidsRights Index
The State Coach in the NetherlandsThe State Coach in the Netherlands
South Limburg: a totally different worldSouth Limburg: a totally different world
Sassenheim from aboveSassenheim from above
Spring in HollandSpring in Holland
The Tale of Kat and Dog: A Holland Cool MovieThe Tale of Kat and Dog: A Holland Cool Movie
Dutch colonies: The rise and fall throughout the centuriesDutch colonies: The rise and fall throughout the centuries
Historic WW2 footage of the NetherlandsHistoric WW2 footage of the Netherlands
For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Explore
Expat infoCareerHousingEducationLifestyleExpat servicesNews & articles
About us
IamExpat MediaAdvertisePost a jobContact usSitemap
More IamExpat
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingIamExpat FairsWebinarsNewsletters
Privacy
Terms of usePrivacy policyCookiesAvoiding scams

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy


© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
Feb 9, 2017
Kiri Scully
Raised a global citizen, to an Irish father and American mother, Kiri has lived and worked in five countries over three continents. Fuelled by culture curiosity at an early age, Kiri chose to study Anthropology and Media Communications at Goldsmiths College, University of London, before delving into the world of journalism. Read more

According to top consultancy firm KPMG, the Netherlands ranks second when it comes to the world’s highest productivity potential.

The Variables for Sustained Growth Index

The Variables for Sustained Growth (VSG) Index compares the productivity potential of 181 countries around the world by using different tools to assess a variety of factors.

The Index takes into account academic research as well as business survey results to analyse the long-term economic growth of a country, particularly looking at aspects that can be influenced by policymakers.

Whilst many countries have struggled since the 2008 economic crisis, the study suggests that economic growth is a result of three main factors, which include a growing labour force, a rise in capital stock, and improvements in productivity. For this reason, productivity on its own contributes immensely to a country’s economic growth.

The Netherlands still second

The Netherlands has managed to secure second place in the KPMG report for two years in a row. According to the study, the Netherlands has its educated population, public institutions and active participation in global economics to thank for its position.

Countries were also assessed on their sustainability, which was an area the Netherlands scored particularly well in. With its strict regulations and policies, the judicial system and efficient infrastructure, such as its transport system, the Netherlands continues to remain at the top.

Top 10 performers for productivity

In 2016, this index was, once again, dominated by Western Europe, with Singapore and Hong Kong being the only non-European countries to make it to the top 10.
1. Switzerland
2. The Netherlands
3. Luxembourg
4. Hong Kong
5. Norway
6. Finland
7. Denmark
8. Sweden
9. Iceland
10. Singapore

By Kiri Scully