The Global Information Technology Report is the world’s most respected assessment of the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on the development process and the competitiveness across the planet. This year, after covering 127 economies across Earth, Denmark came out on top.
The report noted that Denmark’s level of network readiness had to do with an excellent regulatory environment, in addition to clear government leadership and vision in leveraging ICT for growth and promoting ICT penetration and usage.
In other words, the Danish government actually cared about the implementation of technology in their country.
This story may sound like just a dull report concocted to once again rank the world in to some arbitrary order. However the implementation of technology is actually important, especially in terms of who we can learn from.
"Leveraging ICT is increasingly 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,” said 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 very effective government e-leadership, reflected in early liberalization of the telecommunications sector, a first-rate regulatory framework and large availability of e-government services."
Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum added to Mia’s thoughts by saying that "In recent years, the world has witnessed the power of ICT in revolutionizing the business and economic landscape and empowering individuals, while fostering social networks and virtual communities.”
And as we look around at the importance of applications like Facebook, Twitter, iTunes, Amazon, we see just how much technology has infiltrated our lives. So looking at who is best using that technology across their country – in many cases to raise the standard of living – is something that will hopefully benefit other countries through emulation.
For example, Denmark moved up 2 positions from last year, which reflected an upward trend started back in 2003. Sweden joined Denmark at the top in spot number 2. In fact, looking at the top 10 sees it populated almost entirely by Nordic nations; with Finland, Netherlands, Iceland and Norway filling in spots 6, 7, 8 and 10.
No surprise to see South Korea in at number 9, but a bit of a surprise to see that the US moved up 3 spots to come in at number 4.
Either way, let’s hope that this can spotlight which countries are doing it best, and who the rest of us need to copy!
Joshua Hill, a Geek’s-Geek from Melbourne, Australia, Josh is an aspiring author with dreams of publishing his epic fantasy, currently in the works, sometime in the next 5 years. A techie, nerd, sci-fi nut and bookworm.
