September 15, 2015 – IBM released its Global Locations Trends 2015 report. This annual report analyzes the latest trends in where companies locate their (new) operations around the world, and what drives these decisions. The report is produced by Plant Location International, the location strategy and site selection consulting division of IBM Global Business Services.
Some of the key highlights from this year's report are:
- Global foreign investment activity returned to growth in 2014, with 6 percent increase in job creation around the world from foreign investment
- The United States remains the world's top destination country, with a record performance from foreign investment in 2014 measured by number of jobs created
- Ireland continues to lead the world in attracting high-value projects
- Macedonia ranks first for job creation per capita
- London is the leading global city for attracting foreign investment projects
Further findings:
- Global supply chains are becoming increasingly complex, particularly for manufacturing activities, with combinations of reshoring, nearshoring and offshoring strategies used by companies
- Companies are continuing to adapt their approach to shared-service centers
- The emergence of the Internet of Things will further transform global footprints as it provides new opportunities for companies to operate complex networks of production, distribution and sales across multiple locations, leveraging the power of data to drive value creation
- This transformation will have significant ramifications for labor markets and corporate skills requirements. Government leaders must improve alignment between supply and demand of skills and prioritize educational programs that better serve the skills needs of industries
Key Rankings:
Total job creation:
Job creation per capita:
Average value of jobs:
1. United States
1. Macedonia
1. Ireland
2. China
2. United Arab Emirates
2. Switzerland
3. India
3. Czech Republic
3. Sweden
4. Mexico
4. Ireland
4. Denmark
5. United Kingdom
5. Costa Rica
5. Lithuania
6. Brazil
6. Estonia
6. Netherlands
7. Thailand
7. Bahrain
7. Hong Kong
8. Vietnam
8. Hungary
8. Finland
9. Indonesia
9. Latvia
9. India
10. Philippines
10. Serbia
10. Germany
The latest edition of the report can be downloaded from www.ibm.com/gbs/pli