The Global Information Technology Report 2008-2009 released recently by the World Economic Forum (WEF) reveals the Networked Readiness Index (NRI) that shows how prepared countries are in using ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) effectively.

The Global Information Technology Report 2008-2009 articulates that India has been edged out by China in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) ranking. India has fallen from the 50th place in 2007-08 to the 54th position, while China has been able to occupy the 46th position. India has been continuously slipping down in the NRI ranking; India’s was at 44th position in 2006-07 in GIT report.

On the contrary, China's has showed phenomenal 11 positions jump in the latest ranking. "The speed at which China is transforming its IT infrastructure through a combination of human development and technology-related policies have brought a massive change among the BRIC countries for the first time," said Soumitra Datta, management academic at INSEAD, France, about the China’s phenomenal rise in ranking. Soumitra Datta is the lead author of the report that was released in Geneva on Thursday.

According to the report, Denmark and Sweden have been able to retain 1st and 2nd positions respectively in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) ranking, while United States has managed to hold 3rd position. Singapore, ranked at 4 position, is the only Asia Pacific country that has been able find place in the top 10.

The report, sponsored by Cisco, shows Switzerland at 5th position, and the Netherlands and Canada are able to get place in the top 10. The report ranks South Korea at 11th place, Hong Kong at 12th place and Taiwan at 13th place.

Among the Gulf countries, UAE has been ranked at 27th position, Qatar at 29th place, Bahrain at 37th place, Saudi Arabia at 40th place, Oman at 50th position, and Kuwait at 57th place. The report shows that SA has slipped to 52 place.  

According to 2008-2009 GIT report, Malaysia is at no. 28, Thailand is at no 47, Brunei at 63rd rank, Brazil at no. 59, Russia at no. 74, Vietnam at 70th position, Indonesia at 83rd place, Philippines at 85th place, Tajikistan at 104th place, and Cambodia at 126th position, in the NRI ranking of 134 countries.

Senior economist at the WEF’s Global Competitiveness Network division and co-editor of the report, Irene Mia said, "It is important for leaders in both private and public sectors not to lose focus on ICT as an important enabler of growth and competitiveness in times of crisis.”

Irene Mia added, "The development story of the most networked countries in the world, including the Nordic countries, Singapore and the United States among others, has owed much to a consistent focus in the national agenda on education excellence, innovation and an extensive ICT access. 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."