The Czech Republic ranks 31st in the Global Competitiveness Report 2016–2017 ranking, the same result as in the 2015-2016 ranking (although the country's scores were 4.72 and 4.69 in 2016 and 2015, respectively). The report assesses the competitiveness landscape of 138 economies, providing insight into the drivers of their productivity and prosperity.

Germany, a champion of structural reform prescriptions within the European Union, needs a large dose of the same medicine at home, too. Beyond public investment in transport and telecommunications, and more competition in services, dealing with an aging population needs urgent attention. With the right policies, Germany can bring more people into the workforce—and for longer—to counter the demographic trend, argues a recent study accompanying the regular health check of the German economy by the International Monetary Fund.