Global Information Technology Report 2007-08
The World Economic Forum (WEF) information and communications technology (ICT) report for 2007-08 ranks only Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland above rapidly improving USA in networked readiness.
The ranking was determined by assessing 127 nations according to three criteria:
· ICT-friendly and conducive environment; the business environment; regulatory aspects; the soft and hard ICT infrastructure.
· level of ICT preparation of individuals, the business sector and the government.
· actual ICT use.
The WEF is a Geneva-based organization founded in 1971. It hosts an annual meeting of business and political leaders, and some academics and journalists. This year’s meeting was sponsored by internet routers and switchers giant Cisco. The WEF also hosts regional meetings throughout the year.
Denmark is better placed than any other country to benefit from new technology, according to the survey published on Wednesday. Seven of the top 10 were European. The USA was ranked fourth and Singapore fifth, with South Korea rising to number nine from 19 last year, displacing Britain.
The report stresses the importance of a coherent government vision on the importance of ICT for sustainable growth, with an early focus on education and innovation. The executive summary is here.
