U.S. First on 'Networked Readiness Index'

The on/off binary fundamental of information and communication technology (ICT) could just as well describe the U.S. position in the field. For the third time in five years, the U.S. leads all nations on the Networked Readiness Index (NRI) contained in the World Economic Forum's Global Information Technology Report 2005-2006.

Expanded to track 115 economies worldwide in its fifth edition, the new Global Information Technology Report assesses the impact of ICT on the development process and the competitiveness of nations. The NRI measures the propensity for countries to leverage the opportunities offered by ICT for development and increased competitiveness. It also establishes a broad international framework mapping out the enabling factors of such capacity.

The U.S. regained the top position in the rankings after falling to fifth place a year ago. According to the index, America's 2005-06 surge in the ranking reflects impressive performance in the areas of ICT physical infrastructure, a broadly supportive market environment, and high levels of business and government usage of the latest technologies.

Factors contributing to America's strong showing include "excellent" higher education institutions and extensive levels of cooperation between its research bodies and businesses. The U.S. also stands out for the ready availability of venture capital - key for start-ups to develop and prosper in what can be a risky sector - and the prominent role assumed by the private sector in R&D and cooperation with the public sector in innovation and ICT penetration.

Singapore, in second place overall, achieved a top-three ranking for the fourth consecutive year. The Nordic countries of Denmark, Iceland, Finland and Sweden placed third, fourth, fifth and eighth, respectively. Asia and the Pacific also did well, with Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Australia and Japan occupying ranks 7, 11, 14, 15 and 16, respectively.

The Global Information Technology Report 2005-2006 includes essays written by practitioners, scholars and experts with knowledge and experience in the ICT area. An update of the NRI is followed by chapters on issues related to networked readiness, productivity-related topics and reports on the state of ICT development in Chile, Israel, Korea, Mexico and Taiwan. Detailed profiles of the 115 countries assessed and data tables with country rankings for each variable used in calculating the index also are included.

To download the report's executive summary, index rankings and other materials, visit http://www.weforum.org/. The report also is available for purchase through the above link.

Links to this paper and more than 3,000 additional TBED-related research reports, strategic plans and other papers can be found at the Tech-based Economic Development (TBED) Resource Center, jointly developed by the Technology Administration and SSTI, at http://www.tbedresourcecenter.org/.