[Infowarrior] - US 'no longer technology king'

[Richard Forno]

 US 'no longer technology king'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6502725.stm


The US has lost its position as the world's primary engine of technology
innovation, according to a report by the World Economic Forum.

The US is now ranked seventh in the body's league table measuring the impact
of technology on the development of nations.

A deterioration of the political and regulatory environment in the US
prompted the fall, the report said.

The top spot went for the first time to Denmark, followed by Sweden.

Innovation

Countries were judged on technological advancements in general business, the
infrastructure available and the extent to which government policy creates a
framework necessary for economic development and increased competitiveness.

The Networked Readiness Index, the sixth of its kind published by the World
Economic Forum with Insead, the Paris-based business school, scrutinised
progress in 122 economies worldwide.

Despite losing its top position, the US still maintained a strong focus on
innovation, driven by one of the world's best tertiary education systems and
its high degree of co-operation with industry, the report said.

    
NETWORKED READINESS INDEX RANKINGS 2006 (2005)
1: Denmark (3)
2: Sweden (8)
3: Singapore (2)
4: Finland (5)
5: Switzerland (9)
6: Netherlands (12)
7: US (1)
8: Iceland (4)
9: UK (10)
10: Norway (13)
Source: WEF

The country's efficient market environment, conducive to the availability of
venture capital, and the sophistication of financial markets, was also given
recognition.

Nordic crown

Denmark is now regarded as the world leader in technological innovation and
application, with its Nordic neighbours Sweden, Finland and Norway claiming
second, fourth and 10th place respectively.

"Denmark, in particular, has benefited from the very effective government
e-leadership, reflected in early liberalisation of the telecommunications
sector, a first-rate regulatory environment and large availability of
e-government services," said Irene Mia, senior economist at World Economic
Forum.

European countries to make the top 20 included Switzerland in fifth place,
the Netherlands, one of the most improved in sixth, the UK (nine), Germany
(16), Austria (17) and Estonia (20).

While countries from Asia and the Pacific continued to progress, the
powerhouse economies of China and India both showed a downward trend.

India was four positions down on last year to 44th, suffering from weak
infrastructure and a very low level of individual usage of personal
computers and the internet.

China was knocked to 59th place, nine positions down, with information
technology uptake in Chinese firms lagging.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/business/6502725.stm

Published: 2007/03/28 15:57:02 GMT

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