The Hindu Business Line : Finland tops rankings in WEF infotech report

The report surveying the `Readiness for the Networked World' is the most comprehensive, cross-country assessment of the state of information technology, covering 82 economies around the world.

The highlights of the GITR 2002-03 are that while the US continues to offer the best market environment for networked readiness, it has slipped from the first to second place due to less competitive performance in terms of connectivity and diffusion of information and communication technologies (ICT).

Finland ranks first in the `Networked Readiness Index (NRI)', boosted by the best performance in terms of technology usage by its citizens, businesses and the Government.

According to a WEF statement, the GITR, the second in the series, benchmarks performance and monitors progress across nations amid a backdrop of continued consolidation in the technology sector and dramatic changes in the global economic and political landscape.

The World Economic Forum, in partnership with INSEAD and the Information for Development Programme of the World Bank (infoDev), has released the 2003 NRI, which rates the economies according to their degree of preparedness to capture fully the benefits of the networked economy.

Mr Soumitra Dutta, Professor of e-Business and Information Technology, INSEAD, explains: "The fundamental role of information and communication technologies (ICT) has long been recognised as a catalyst for organisational transformation and change. As a consequence, gaining a better understanding of the economic and business impact of ICT has been identified as a key research priority."

The study explicitly considers the roles played by the major stakeholders - individuals, businesses and governments. The study specifically examines the networked readiness of the 82 economies according to three dimensions. First is the environment for ICT, that is, the market conditions, the political and regulatory framework and the infrastructure for ICT.

Second is the readiness of individuals, the business community and Government. And, third, is the actual usage of ICT by the three stakeholders.

"We need to go from anecdotes, which can illustrate, to experience, which can be shared, to knowledge, which can be disseminated, and then to strategies and actions, which can make a difference in the lives of people," said Mr Bruno Lanvin, Programme Manager, infoDev.

Ms Fiona Paua, Economist at WEF, stressed that "beyond just providing a yearly snapshot, the Report intends to aid leaders in crafting the best policy environment for competing in a networked global economy.

This annual assessment establishes a process whereby governments and other decision-makers can evaluate progress on a continual basis."

Some of the other highlights of the GITR 2002-03 are:

Singapore, ranked third worldwide, is most notable for ranking number one not only in terms of political and regulatory environment but also in terms of the readiness of its Government to employ ICT in its internal processes and delivery of services.

Germany ranks tenth in terms of networked readiness but is the strongest of the 82 economies in terms of ICT usage by businesses.

France holds the 19th position in networked readiness rankings buoyed by ranking fourth in terms of availability of scientists and engineers and fifth in terms of capacity for innovation.

However, it ranks 54th in terms of the ability of companies to use innovation to generate revenues.

Among the emerging markets, Israel emerges as a leader in 12th place due to its strong ranking in innovation.

Estonia, in 24th place, ranks even higher than Spain, Italy and Portugal. Its ranking is boosted by superior ICT government readiness and usage.

Brazil, in 29th place, is the leader among Latin American countries in terms of networked readiness; its performance leveraged by high ratings in e-governance.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication

Stories in this Section
ChrysCapital to invest in Ephinay

Telecom meet makes `some' headway

More spectrum must for more cell players: TRAI

Getit, pvt phone cos in talks for directory

Idea Cellular's new offer in AP

US to tighten H1B visa norms

SDV begins Hyderabad operations

Hiring shows IT majors are upbeat on India

D-Link ties up with Corning

Singapore co sets up arm

ICSI pact with NSE soon to certify digital signatures

Finland tops rankings in WEF infotech report

United Telecom bags mandate for e-Seva