According to the latest Brand Finance Global City Index, (the most comprehensive global survey of city perceptions) the DACH region is gaining recognition for its strength in Business & Investment, with Zurich ranking 2nd globally in this area.
15,000 people across 20 countries were surveyed to create the rankings of the world’s top 100 cities to conduct business in and with. Those taking part were asked to rate cities on Key Performance Indicators: Familiarity, Reputation, and Consideration to indicate how appealing cities are for living, working, studying, visiting, or investing. Cities were also judged on their overall business acumen.
DACH Results
Zurich led the DACH region, moving up four spots to 11th place in the overall rankings of the top 100 cities worldwide. It’s particularly recognised for being attractive to both local and international workers, ranking 1st for this aspect for the second year in a row.
Geneva climbed eight ranks to 15th overall, strongly perceived for its Governance (2nd), thanks to its emphasis on environmental initiatives and ethical politics.
Cities in Germany also saw a rise in worldwide rankings. Berlin moved up to 13th place, Munich is now 20th, and Frankfurt climbed to 27th. The survey found that German cities are especially recognised for their skilled workforce, which underscores their robust, business-friendly environments, with Munich ranking 3rd in this category. Vienna is ranked 18th overall.
Marco Casanova, Chairman of Brand Finance in Switzerland, commented that the DACH region is solidifying its reputation as the powerhouse in the centre of Europe, with “robust economic stability and a business-friendly environment.”
Global Results
Globally, London remains the world’s top city, ranking 1st overall. It stands out for its strong global presence, with high scores in Reputation (3rd). New York and Paris follow closely behind, ranking 2nd and 3rd. . Tokyo has moved up to 4th, recognised as the global leader in science and technology. Dubai ranks 5th, known for its strong reputation and future growth potential, especially in investment opportunities.
On the value of the survey, CEO of Brand Finance David Haigh commented:
“The findings provide valuable insights into the changing perceptions and priorities of residents and visitors, which can help guide decision-makers in cities across the world in implementing effective strategies to drive growth.”