WASHINGTON, DC - The Economist Intelligence Unit’s annual study, sponsored by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), revealed that two countries in the top 20 on the 2009 index showed significant advances: Finland and the Netherlands. Finland, ranked 13th in 2008, moved into second place based on its strong performance in the research and development category, particularly patents.
The Netherlands, ranked 10th in 2008, moved to fifth place based on its strong infrastructure, primarily resulting from pervasive broadband deployment.
“The fact that the US tech sector is helping to lead the way to recovery is a testament to the importance of technology to both industry and consumers and a telling indication of what will drive our economic growth in the long term, making it even more important for our policymakers to create the right environment for competition and innovation.” Robert Holleyman, president and CEO of the BSA said.
“The report also identified some of the key challenges that the US faces in its efforts to retain its leadership position,” continued Holleyman.
“In particular, we need to improve our IT infrastructure by invigorating broadband deployment, develop technology-neutral IT policies, avoid the siren call of protectionist market practices, and expand access to highly qualified, technically proficient employees to invent, design, and produce complex and innovative products.”
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, six factors combine to create a sound environment for the IT sector, including an ample supply of high-skilled workers; an innovation-friendly culture that supports R&D; world-class technology infrastructure.
In addition to these factors, other elements were also mentioned mainly a robust legal environment that protects Intellectual Property (IP) such as patents and copyrights; an open, competitive business environment; and government leadership that strikes the right balance between promoting technology and allowing market forces to work.
"Globally, the IT sector has ridden out the crisis reasonably well, despite reduced technology spending," says Denis McCauley, director of global technology research with the Economist Intelligence Unit.