Hong Kong has climbed three spots to rank fourth in the latest World Digital Competitiveness Ranking.

The ranking of economies' ability to adopt and explore digital technologies for economic and social transformation is compiled by the Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development.

The SAR's position this year is the highest since it came second in 2021.

Among the areas of improvement, Hong Kong climbed two spots to rank first in "adaptive attitudes" in the area of "future readiness".

Switzerland topped the ranking, with the United States and Singapore in second and third respectively.

A government spokesman said in a statement that the rankings show Hong Kong is recognised as one of the most digitally competitive economies in the world.

"Going forward, the HKSAR Government will continue to promote closer collaboration among the Government and the industry, academia, research and investment sectors, consolidate and enhance our competitive edge in the global market, as well as foster the cultivation of new quality productive forces," it added.

Writing on social media, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong said the government and various sectors of society have been promoting the development of innovation and technology.

He said the administration is actively seizing opportunities brought about by AI, promoting the technology as a key industry.

Many local institutions have already set up AI-related programmes, and five universities are ranked in the top 50 globally in AI and data science, the minister noted.