China, which ranked 46th, took the lead of the so-called “BRIC” emerging economies for the first time, the WEF said.

The other three “BRIC” economies — Brazil, Russia and India –ranked 59th, 74th and 54th respectively.

Denmark and Sweden once again topped the 2008-2009 ranking.At third place was the United States, which moved up one position from last year. Singapore, Switzerland, Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands and Canada completed the rest of the top 10 of a list of 134 economies worldwide.

Annually, the World Economic Forum together with INSEAD publishes the Global Information Technology Report, which makes use of the index.

The Networked Readiness Index examines each country?s preparedness to use information and communications technology effectively. It is a composite of three components: the environment for ICT offered by a given country or community, the readiness of the community?s key stakeholders (individuals, businesses, and governments) to use ICT, and finally the usage of ICT amongst these stakeholders. The index was originally developed by the Information Technology Group, which worked at Harvard University’s Center for International Development until 2002.

“The development story of the most networked countries in the world…has owed much to a consistent focus in the national agenda on education excellence, innovation and an extensive ICT access,” said Irene Mia, WEF senior economist.

“This success stands as a reminder for leaders in both the public and private sectors not to lose focus on ICT as an important enabler of growth and competitiveness in times of crisis,” she said.

The Report emphasizes the essential roles of good education fundamentals and high levels of technological readiness and innovation to overcome the current economic crisis. Under the theme ?Mobility in a Networked World?, this year?s Report places a particular focus on the relationship and interrelations between mobility and ICT.

The Report is produced annually by the World Economic Forum in cooperation with INSEAD, the leading international business school, and is sponsored by Cisco Systems.

Source : Konaxis