Published in partnership with the Global Alliance In Management Education (CEMS) using a decade of data covering more than 70 indicators, Whiteshield's report with Google Cloud reveals how 118 countries are responding and adapting their labour markets to different types of external shocks, including the rise of AI. While some countries are well placed to capitalise on AI, a majority risk falling behind.
The most resilient labour markets combine traditional labour policies with strategic investments in AI and personalised data-driven strategies. Topping the GLRI 2025 rankings are the US and Singapore, recognised for their strong entrepreneurial ecosystems, flexible labour markets and leadership in AI adoption and innovation. Sweden follows closely behind, demonstrating resilience through substantial investment in education and R&D.
According to the GLRI report, the US leads the way in AI investment and innovation, with 60% of global investment in AI over the last ten years and a quarter of the world's AI startups. American success is attributed to the integration of innovation and economic flexibility to drive dynamic job creation, with California, Massachusetts and Washington identified as among the most advanced states. Growing inequality, both between and within countries, is identified as a major challenge exacerbated by AI that will need to be addressed by appropriate policies.
European countries, including the UK and Germany, occupy six of the top ten places, showing strong overall performance. However, several--such as Denmark, Austria and Luxembourg--have dropped out of the top 10. In the case of Luxembourg, however, we will have to wait for the unveiling of the new strategies expected in early spring, which are likely to reshuffle the cards.
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The report presents three approaches to labour market resilience: the "traditional path" (e.g. Sweden, Norway or the Netherlands), which focuses on strong social safety nets, education and stable economic policies; the "AI and innovation path" (e.g. the US), which emphasises a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment with a strong focus on R&D, particularly in AI; and the "mixed path" (e.g. Singapore), which combines traditional strengths, such as strong governance, with strategic investments in AI. GLRI focuses on the shift from a "one-size-fits-all solution" to personalised, citizen-centric policies enabled by AI, big data and advanced analytics. It also highlights the use of AI, blockchain and IoT across the lifecycle of work, from education and job search to workforce productivity and lifelong learning.
Europe shows significant labour market resilience, with six of the ten most resilient economies. However, there are significant disparities. Northern and Western European countries consistently outperform others, often exceeding North American benchmarks, while Eastern and Southern European countries generally show weaker resilience. More than 80% of European countries rank in the global top 50 for overall labour market resilience, but this masks variations. For example, Germany (ranked 5th in the world) excels in AI integration, while Moldova (ranked 113th) clearly lags behind. Europe leads the way in adaptive resilience, with 80% of countries maintaining strong performances in AI regulation, penetration and entrepreneurship, but nearly a third rank outside the global top 50 in transformative capability.
Read the original French-language version of this news report here / lire en français
