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Economist e-readiness report 2007 Print E-mail
Written by Victor van Reijswoud   
Thursday, 03 May 2007

The Economist Intelligence Unit has published its annual e-readiness ranking of the world's largest economies. The ranking model evaluates technological, economic political and social assets of 69 countries and their cumulative impact on their respective information economies. Asian countries are moving up to the top of the rankings.

The report defines E-readiness as the 'state of play' of a country's ICT infrastructure and the availability of its consumers, business and governments to use ICT to their benefit. It is concluded in the report that e-readiness is progressing in the world, but achieving it is growing more complex. Basic connectivity is no longer adequate to use the internet efficiently. To participate in the digital economy connections need to be fast, secure and affordable. Likewise, governments must demonstrate their commitment to digital development not only through broad policy, but also in practical ways, such as delivering public services to citizens and business via electronic channels.

The e-readiness reports have been published since 2000. This year however, the criteria for the rating have been changed. Fixed telephone lines are no longer considered as indicator, but in stead affordable broadband connectivity has been added. The role of governments in promoting digital development through vision, policy and action has received more emphasis. Appendix 1 of the report provides a short explanation of the methodology used.

Denmark and the US retain their number one and two spots in the rankings (with Sweden also tied for 2nd), but Hong Kong (4th), Singapore (6th), South Korea (16th), Taiwan (17th) and Japan (18th) have experienced a boost in 2007 in both scores and ranks. The report only covers four countries in Africa. None of the four countries (South Africa, Algeria, Egypt and Nigeria) have been able to improve their positions. South Africa remained stable (35th) but the other countries have dropped in the ranking.

The report concludes that governments should continue to invest in human capital and the promotion of favourable business and legal conditions for online activity to thrive.

Direct download of the report here

 
See also LIRNEasia's comment on the EIU e-readiness rankings: South Asia slipping in e-readiness? Pakistan as the exception.