The US has topped a competitiveness poll by Swiss business school IMD.

The US has topped a competitiveness poll by Swiss business school IMD.

It retained its top position for 2014 thanks to its resilience, better employment numbers, and its dominance in technology and infrastructure. The US results may reflect international conflicts around the globe and domestic political gridlock, the survey said.

The biggest surprise, however, is the fall from grace by some of the world’s largest emerging markets. The slide in the rankings follows a slowdown in economic growth and foreign investment, while infrastructure also remains inadequate, the survey added.

"The overall competitiveness story for 2014 is one of continued success in the US, partial recovery in Europe, and struggles for some large emerging markets,” said Professor Arturo Bris, director of the IMD World Competitiveness Center.

China fell two places to 23rd in the survey due to concerns about its business environment, while India and Brazil, which also fell, are suffering from inefficient labour markets and ineffective business management.

Europe improved on last year as a result of its gradual economic recovery while in Asia Japan continues to climb the rankings - helped by a weaker currency that has improved its competitiveness abroad. It came in at 21st spot this year, up three spaces from 24th in 2013.

The survey polled 4,300 executives across the 60 ranked economies.