Connectivity Scorecard 2011 Ranks Countries by ICT and Innovation

Sweden and the United States ranked highest in the annual Connectivity Scorecard 2011, a global study commissioned by Nokia Siemens Networks and authored by Professor Leonard Waverman, Dean, Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary in conjunction with the consulting firms, Berkeley Research Group and Communicea.


The study measured the extent to which governments, businesses and consumers in 50 countries make use of connectivity technologies to enhance economic and social prosperity. Connectivity is defined as the bundle of infrastructure, complementary skills, software and informed usage that makes communications networks the key driver of productivity and economic growth.


The authors of the study argue that countries that continue to invest in ICT infrastructure, applications and services as well as promoting ICT workforce skills and use will be better able to cope with the effects of global recession and boost their socio-economic growth.


"Despite global economic shocks, the knowledge economy is growing in power. While many advanced countries are forging ahead in terms of infrastructure and their use of ICT, the real connectivity gaps are in the developing world with the exception of strong growth in mobile telephony," said Professor Waverman. "One thing, which is clear is that developing countries must make ICT more affordable, stimulate its adoption and overcome barriers to its use to remain relevant and competitive."


"By commissioning the Connectivity Scorecard, we aim to highlight the pivotal role of information and communications technology in driving productivity and sustainable socio-economic growth ," added Kim Jones, the Connectivity Scorecard program manager at Nokia Siemens Networks. "In its fourth year, the study reiterates that broadband infrastructure deployments only translate into faster economic growth, when there is complementary investment in skills as well as in relevant services and applications."http://www.connectivityscorecard.org/