Singapore is the best at using ICT to improve its economic competitiveness and social well-being, according to a new study by the World Economic Forum.
The study ranks countries against the Networked Readiness Index, based on the regulatory and business environment; the availability of infrastructure and skills; affordability of ICT; individual, business and government usage; and economic and social impacts of ICT.
Finland, Sweden, Netherlands and Norway take the next four places.
Singapore comes at the top out of 143 countries for the government’s success in implementing ICT strategies and delivering online services. Its use of ICT has also made the biggest social impact among the countries, measured through the impact of ICT on government efficiency, use of ICT for basic public services, quality of citizen engagement for policymaking and availability of internet in schools.
Singapore’s success is driven by the “clear digital strategy” set out by the government and “one of the world’s best offerings in terms of online services and e-participation tools”, the Global Information Technology Report 2015 said.
South Korea ranks 12th, down by two places from last year, but its overall performance is “overwhelmingly positive”, the report said. Again, the government’s leadership plays an important role: “The transformative effect of ICTs on society is significant, notably thanks to the government’s leadership in adopting ICTs and promoting e-participation,” the authors of the report say.
Australia went up two places to 16th, ranking particularly high (7th) in the availability and use of ICT by its citizens.
Its government ranks 23rd for ICT use but can do better, the report said. The Australian economy is “not particularly innovative” and “the government and businesses should embrace ICTs even more enthusiastically”.
Among other countries in Asia Pacific, Indonesia ranks 79th. While business use of ICT is encouraging, its government is lagging behind. It ranks 35th for business use of ICT, “an indication that more and more Indonesian businesses are adopting ICTs”. In contrast, the government ranks 63rd for using ICT. “ Despite its commitment and a number of ICT initiatives, effects are long overdue,” the report said.
