USA 'no longer technology king'

[Nikita2Charles 32]

US 'no longer technology king'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6502725.stm

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

Singapore was among the nations ranked higher than the US

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.

Edited March 28, 2007 by Nikita2Charles

[AnaAndDaniel 0]

interesting.

Daniel

:energetic:

[Niels Bohr 72]

What the hell happened to Japan!? I'm guessing whoever did that survey did not travel to Japan.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

I thought South Korea would be on the list. They are pretty high tech.

On the other hand North Korea is last on the list, right after the moon.

[almaty 19]

it is an interesting read.............

[JohnK 0]

driven by one of the world's best tertiary education systems

What does that mean? And how come I always hear about how much our education system is at the bottom of the totem pole when compared against other countries?

[mawilson 2,133]

Denmark is #1? Purleease.

I would love to see what innovative technology they have developed that is so superior.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

No Japan and no South Korea - those countries have got to be on that list. I have just returned on a business trip to Asia -- we are way, way behind.

[Nikita2Charles 32]

Not sure for the other countries on the list.

But SINGAPORE is right there, the singapore govt is aggressively pursing AMERICAN companies to move there with all kind of tax incentives.

IF you transfer a product between asian countries the import tax is about 5%. If that same product is coming from the US it get tax at a higher rate. as such the companies are invited to BUILD it in ASIA, SHIP it FROM ASIA

Denmark is #1? Purleease.

I would love to see what innovative technology they have developed that is so superior.

[Dr_LHA 3]

driven by one of the world's best tertiary education systems

What does that mean? And how come I always hear about how much our education system is at the bottom of the totem pole when compared against other countries?

It means we have good Universities. Which we do. Its the Primary and Secondary education (i.e. junior and high schools) that sucks.

[mawilson 2,133]

Irene Mia, a co-author of the report and senior economist at the World Economic Forum,

explained:

"It's not really such a big fall for the US - when you're in the top 10 little differences

in scores can mean a big fall in position. But the regulatory environment was seen

as less favourable and usage fell - not in actual terms but against other countries

which have gained more. The US is still number one in many ways - for venture capital,

for innovation - in terms of patents."