US no longer global tech leader

GENEVA: The United States was knocked out of the number one spot by Denmark in this year’s The Global Information Technology Report’s Networked Readiness Index, released by the World Economic Forum.

A press release states that Denmark’s outstanding levels of networked readiness have to do with the country’s regulatory environment, coupled with a clear government leadership and vision in leveraging ICT for growth and promoting ICT penetration and usage.

Asian tigers India and China fared badly compared to last year. Both countries showed a downward trend; with India four positions down to 44th while China did worse falling nine positions down to 59th. The report noted that notwithstanding some specific clusters of ICT excellence in these countries, their overall score in leveraging ICT for increased development appeared to be particularly hindered by weak infrastructure, with a very low level of individual ICT usage for India and of individual and business readiness and usage for China.

The US dropped six places to 7th this year, mainly due to relative deterioration of the political and regulatory environment, said the report. However, the country maintained its primacy in innovation, driven by one of the world’s best tertiary education systems and high degree of cooperation with the industry as well as efficient market environment.

“Leveraging ICT is becoming an essential instrument for countries and national stakeholders to ensure continued prosperity for their people. Nordic countries have shown how an early focus on education, innovation and promotion of ICT penetration and diffusion is a winning strategy for increased networked readiness and competitiveness,” Irene Mia, senior economist of the Global Competitiveness Network at the World Economic Forum and co-editor of the Report

“Denmark, in particular, has benefited from effective government e-leadership, reflected in early liberalization of the telecommunications sector, a first-rate regulatory framework and large availability of e-government services," he added.

The report covers 122 countries globally and its Networked Readiness Index (NRI) measures the propensity of countries to leverage opportunities offered by ICT for development and increased competitiveness.

Country rankings

1. Denmark

2. Sweden

3. Singapore

4. Finland

5. Switzerland

6. Netherlands

7. US

8. Iceland

9. UK

10. Norway

11. Canada

12. Hong Kong

13. Taiwan

14. Japan

15. Australia

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