US 'no longer technology king'

[velik_m]

[b]US 'no longer technology king'

The US has lost its position as the world's primary engine of technology innovation, according to a report by the World Economic Forum.

The US is now ranked seventh in the body's league table measuring the impact of technology on the development of nations.

A deterioration of the political and regulatory environment in the US prompted the fall, the report said.

The top spot went for the first time to Denmark, followed by Sweden.

Innovation

Countries were judged on the integration of technology in business, the infrastructure available, government policy favourable for fostering a culture of innovation and progress and leadership in promoting the usage of the latest information technology tools.

The Networked Readiness Index, the sixth of its kind published by the World Economic Forum with Insead, the Paris-based business school, scrutinised progress in 122 economies worldwide.

Despite losing its top position, the US still maintained a strong focus on innovation, driven by one of the world's best tertiary education systems and its high degree of co-operation with industry, the report said.

NETWORKED READINESS INDEX RANKINGS 2006 (2005)
1: Denmark (3)
2: Sweden (8)
3: Singapore (2)
4: Finland (5)
5: Switzerland (9)
6: Netherlands (12)
7: US (1)
8: Iceland (4)
9: UK (10)
10: Norway (13)
Source: WEF

The country's efficient market environment, conducive to the availability of venture capital, and the sophistication of financial markets, was also given recognition.

Nordic crown

Denmark is now regarded as the world leader in technological advancement, with its Nordic neighbours Sweden, Finland and Norway claiming second, fourth and 10th place respectively.

"Denmark, in particular, has benefited from the very effective government e-leadership, reflected in early liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, a first-rate regulatory environment and large availability of e-government services," said Irene Mia, senior economist at World Economic Forum.

European countries to make the top 20 included Switzerland in fifth place, the Netherlands, one of the most improved in sixth, the UK (nine), Germany (16), Austria (17) and Estonia (20).

While countries from Asia and the Pacific continued to progress, the powerhouse economies of China and India both showed a downward trend.

India was four positions down on last year to 44th, suffering from weak infrastructure and a very low level of individual usage of personal computers and the internet.

China was knocked to 59th place, nine positions down, with information technology uptake in Chinese firms lagging.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/business/6502725.stm

Published: 2007/03/29 11:06:25 GMT

© BBC MMVII

[101A]

In one year from 1st to 6th?

I'm very concerned about this. My world view is shattered.

[jman3000]

damn. Scandinavia goes hard.

[Trainwreck2100]

Tell that to my Iphone

[cornbread]

At least we have American Idol.

[Clandestino]

all those countries, 1-5, have 1 computer in the whole country...and now they have more more computers per capita than the US!

[exstatic]

Tell that to my Iphone
That iPhone that will be coming out soon is about 10 years behind the shit they have in Japan right now.

[whottt]

That iPhone that will be coming out soon is about 10 years behind the shit they have in Japan right now.


Which makes you wonder why Japan isn't #1, and hasn't been. Since that's been the case for quite some time now...

Ditto Hong Kong.


Meanwhile...Windows, PCs, Internets. Message Boards...and finally, Mass Media and Sattelite Communications...he should at least be thanking us for the means of delivering his message if nothing else.

[whottt]

I mean seriously...I haven't seen a case of selfonwership this bad since the last time a hollywood lefty bemoaned global warming as he was getting off his private jet....or espoused socialism and the championed the plight of the poor as he gets paid 20 million a movie.

[velik_m]

So whottt, you're using Nokia or Ericsson?

I think the Scandinavia is so high, because of widespread broadband and goverments trying to implement new technologies on all levels (which may not be the most efficient way, but they're used to spending a lot of money).

[whottt]

So whottt, you're using Nokia or Ericsson?

No...I use a Motorola actually.


I think the Scandinavia is so high, because of widespread broadband and goverments trying to implement new technologies on all levels (which may not be the most efficient way, but they're used to spending a lot of money).

And I think they are so high because this article is a BBC article the source of which most likely originated in Europe.


The two areas I think Europe is more advanced than the US is in terms of fuel efficiency and stem cell research.


We had to take a step back in those two areas because it was part in parcel of electing a leader who will clean up Europe's mid-eastern mess...sucks...but I think the priority placement on the part of Americans was correct. It'd have been nice if Europe joined us when asked...since it is indeed their mess, unfortunately, typical Euro elitism placed them above such labor...proving once and for all that Elitism and Intelligence do not go hand in hand.

[whottt]

About US(World Economic Forum):


About the World Economic Forum: Entrepreneurship in the global public interest


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

Incorporated as a foundation in 1971, and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum is impartial and not-for-profit; it is tied to no political, partisan or national interests. The World Economic Forum is under the supervision of the Swiss Federal Government.



What a surprise.


Let's have a look at their list again...

NETWORKED READINESS INDEX RANKINGS 2006 (2005)
1: Denmark (3)
2: Sweden (8)
3: Singapore (2)
4: Finland (5)
5: Switzerland (9)
6: Netherlands (12)
7: US (1)
8: Iceland (4)
9: UK (10)
10: Norway (13)
Source: WEF



I hear Iran is about to release a report on Theocracy being the best form of government...I eagerly await your posting of it, velik.

[whottt]

8: Iceland (4)

:lmao

[whottt]

PS: Leatherman style tools now kick the shit out of Swiss Army Knives...

[whottt]

I might add...again we see evidence that, in spite of their cynicism towards the current American Govt...

There is no one more gullible and naive than a socialist leaning lefty... if the fact that they are socialist leaning in the first place, isn't already ample evidence.

[velik_m]

8: Iceland (4)

:lmao

What's funny about that?

[velik_m]

No...I use a Motorola actually.


Cheap bastard. :drunk :spin

[jochhejaam]

PS: Leatherman style tools now kick the shit out of Swiss Army Knives...
Not to mention that Hershey's Chocolate Mix is way better than Swiss Miss.

[Slomo]

A lot of ignorance in this thread specially about the Scandinavian countries and what has been happening in the world outside of Iraq in the past 8 years. I clearly remember very serious discussions in Europe about 8 or 9 years ago (Clinton was president) whether we will ever be able to technologically catch up with the US. Telecommunications alone were far more advanced in the US as over here. Very intelligent people were seriously debating the need to change things around and it looks like some countries were paying attention. The explosion of technological advancement in the past 4 years has been a pleasant surprise, with the EU deciding to pump even more money into it, I expect it to grow further.

I wouldn't laugh at Iceland, neither would I brag about using a Motorola.

And as far as impartiality goes the Swiss have an excellent track record (most international business/legal disputes that are resolved by arbitration are done by Swiss organizations).

And on the subject of chocolate I have only one word for you: Lindt

[whottt]

What's funny about that?


It's got less than 300,000 people in it...

That's not a country...that's a suburb.


If it's population is less than the number of posters in an average game thread on SpursTalk, it does not count.

[whottt]

A lot of ignorance in this thread specially about the Scandinavian countries and what has been happening in the world outside of Iraq in the past 8 years. I clearly remember very serious discussions in Europe about 8 or 9 years ago (Clinton was president) whether we will ever be able to technologically catch up with the US. Telecommunications alone were far more advanced in the US as over here. Very intelligent people were seriously debating the need to change things around and it looks like some countries were paying attention. The explosion of technological advancement in the past 4 years has been a pleasant surprise, with the EU deciding to pump even more money into it, I expect it to grow further.

I wouldn't laugh at Iceland, neither would I brag about using a Motorola.

And as far as impartiality goes the Swiss have an excellent track record (most international business/legal disputes that are resolved by arbitration are done by Swiss organizations).

And on the subject of chocolate I have only one word for you: Lindt


What's wrong with Motorola? I like it because it interfaces with my IPod Itunes...no other cellphones do. Plus it's cheap...

It's got GPS, Wireless Broadband feature...everything.

And the Walkie Talkie works from Argentina to Russia to the South Paciffic(Ocean).

[Gerryatrics]

I have a Motorola too. Much better than my old Nokia, never had an Ericsson. Not sure how Motorola phones are suddenly sub par. I can browse the internet, take pics and shoot video, watch live TV (including Spurs games on NBA TV), play MP3s, it has GPS, Push To Talk, Bluetooth and it even makes phone calls. But I digress

I personally don't buy that Scandinavia is suddenly the World's leader in technological innovation. I mean, IKEA is nice and all, but I'm not exactly looking to them to buy a new Plasma HDTV or PC... or particle accelerator for that matter. The fact that Denmark tops the list (what technology has Denmark produced exactly? help me out), The United States of America is 7th, followed closely by Iceland (I didn't even know they'd gotten technology, good for them) and neither Japan or Israel manage to crack the top 10 makes me think this was an early April Fool's joke.

[sabar]

U.S. and Japan still and will continue to hold the real #1 spots. No one else is even close in innovation and actual execution of the technology. Even if say Iceland actually creates something, it will just get exported to Japan and the U.S. where it will get actual practical use and give them the $$$.

[scott]

Can anyone in this thread read?


Countries were judged on the integration of technology in business, the infrastructure available, government policy favourable for fostering a culture of innovation and progress and leadership in promoting the usage of the latest information technology tools.

The Networked Readiness Index, the sixth of its kind published by the World Economic Forum with Insead, the Paris-based business school, scrutinised progress in 122 economies worldwide.

Despite losing its top position, the US still maintained a strong focus on innovation, driven by one of the world's best tertiary education systems and its high degree of co-operation with industry, the report said.

[Phenomanul]

What this study didn't survey was the fact that most of the US's latest innovations have been buried in the secrecy of our military. They are at least 10 years ahead of civilian technology.

[sabar]

What this study didn't survey was the fact that most of the US's latest innovations have been buried in the secrecy of our military. They are at least 10 years ahead of civilian technology.True, though the world, specifically France/Germany/UK is catching up very quickly in military technology. The UK Challenger is already arguably better than the US M1A2. No nation however matches the US power projection via it's nuclear subs and supercarriers, and no nation is willing to spend as much in aircraft development.

[velik_m]

It's hard saying who has technological lead, since we don't know what current technology will have the most impact in the world. I mean who would have guessed the impact of Internet 30 years ago.
This report however doesn't judge technological level of country by its top technology. It measures how well this technology was integreated in everyday life. It's no doubt weighted towards smaller countries with smaller social discrepancy.

[Phenomanul]

It's hard saying who has technological lead, since we don't know what current technology will have the most impact in the world. I mean who would have guessed the impact of Internet 30 years ago.
This report however doesn't judge technological level of country by its top technology. It measures how well this technology was integreated in everyday life. It's no doubt weighted towards smaller countries with smaller social discrepancy.

I think you hit the nail on the head with that observation.

[xrayzebra]

Well the paper this morning said an American Company along with
a Scandinavian researcher had found a way, inexpensively, to
change type A and AB blood to type O, universal blood. Who do
give credit to. America or the Scandinavian country?

Seems to me, many new innovations, inventions are developed
similarly. No one person in one country is involved but several
people in several countries.

[Extra Stout]

Well the paper this morning said an American Company along with
a Scandinavian researcher had found a way, inexpensively, to
change type A and AB blood to type O, universal blood. Who do
give credit to. America or the Scandinavian country?

Seems to me, many new innovations, inventions are developed
similarly. No one person in one country is involved but several
people in several countries.
This is true.

Question about the article: what has changed so drastically in the "political and regulatory climate" in the U.S. in the past 12 months to precipitate the drop?

[xrayzebra]

You mean the popular press might have a bias in their reporting
because they don't agree with our foreign policy. Gee, I am
surprised! And really who cares what the press says. Everyone
knows what is going on. Well maybe some like you don't.

[ChumpDumper]

I think the federal ban on funding most stem cell research is the main sticking point in the regulatory climate.

I get the feeling the other part of the equation for the rankings is cell phone network quality.

[101A]

I think the federal ban on funding most stem cell research is the main sticking point in the regulatory climate.

I get the feeling the other part of the equation for the rankings is cell phone network quality.


You mean the funding ban (on new lines only of only embryonic stem cells - because there IS federal funding of ALL other kinds of stem cells) that has existed pretty much forever?

What about in the past 12 months?

[Extra Stout]

I think the federal ban on funding most stem cell research is the main sticking point in the regulatory climate.

I get the feeling the other part of the equation for the rankings is cell phone network quality.
What has changed with regard to stem cell funding in the past 12 months?

Have Scandinavian countries made huge improvements to their cell phone networks over the past year?

[Extra Stout]

Why do I get the feeling that these rankings are the output of some limited algorithm, that most of the countries at the top are more or less the same, and that the notion that the U.S. is "no longer technology king" is overblowing the whole matter?

I will give this group credit in that their results probably have greater verisimilitude than, say, that magazine whose algorithm spit out that Plano, TX is the best place in America to live.