National.

Macedonia was ranked 81st on the Global Information Technology Report (GITR) 2006-2007's "Networked Readiness Index", published by the World Economic Forum.

The World Economic Forum (WEF), jointly with INSEAD, assessed the progress of networked readiness in 122 countries. The Report uses the Networked Readiness Index (NRI) to measure the degree of preparation of a nation or community to participate in and benefit from ICT developments.

Macedonia advanced one position compared to previous ranking. The country has 3.41 points same as Guatemala and Algeria. Next is Vietnam with 3.40 points.

For the first time, Denmark has ousted the US to top the GITR rankings. The GITR attributes Denmark's outstanding levels of networked readiness to "the country's excellent regulatory environment, coupled with a clear governmental leadership and vision in leveraging ICT technologies for growth."

Sweden, Singapore and Finland follow, while the United States loses ground in networked readiness, falling 6 places to 7th position. The US was down to the 7th position, "mainly due to relative deterioration of the political and regulatory environment." Singapore moved one place down to the third position this year.

Among other countries in the region, Slovenia tops the rankings at 30th position (4.41), followed by Croatia - 46th, Greece - 48th, Turkey 52nd, Romania 55th

"Leveraging ICT is increasingly becoming an essential instrument for countries and national stakeholders to ensure continued prosperity for their people," said Irene Mia, Senior Economist and co-editor of the Report.

"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," she added.

[Global Information Technology Report
‘06/’07]

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Posted by Macedonia Daily on Friday, March 30, 2007 at 12:17 am | Permalink