Since 2000, IBM and the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) have worked together to build an e-readiness rankings model of the world's largest economies. It evaluates the technological, economic, political and social assets of almost 70 countries and their impact on their respective information economies.
E-readiness is the state of play of a country's information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and the ability of its consumers, businesses and governments to use ICT to their benefit.
The rankings allow governments to gauge the success of their technology initiatives against those of other countries. They also provide companies that wish to invest in online operations with an overview of the world's most promising investment locations.
2007 e-readiness rankings
* Read more below
United States (2nd, tied with Sweden, in 2007, 2nd in 2006)
The U.S., despite robust support for private enterprise, fell in the Business Environment Rankings*, owing to a less stable political environment and concerns about macroeconomic growth prospects. * a subset of the e-readiness rankings
Hong Kong (4th in 2007, 10th in 2006)
This free-wheeling territory earns top scores for its legal environment, due to its long-standing legal protections for businesses; strong intellectual property protection and enforcement; and adoption of Internet-specific legislation for such issues as cybercrime. Only in the area of censorship does it lag.
Canada (13th in 2007, 9th in 2006)
Only Canada (13th) has slipped out of the top ten bracket, owing to a slightly reduced social and cultural environment score, and a lower rating for government policy and vision.
Israel (23rd in 2007, 22nd in 2006)
Israel, ranked #23, enjoys the Middle East's most positive business environment, notwithstanding an unclear political outlook and ever-present security concerns.
Malta (24th in 2007, no rating in 2006)
The newest addition to the rankings, Malta is a small, densely populated nation comprising seven islands in the Mediterranean Sea.
Chile (30th in 2007, 31th in 2006)
Chile boasts the most attractive business environment in Latin America due to its proven commitment to economic liberalization and structural reform since the 1970s.
South Africa (35th in 2007, 35th in 2006)
South Africa's rankings are improving measurably, particularly in the area of political stability. There have also been substantial improvements in foreign trade and tax policy, focused on making South Africa a less taxed and more open economy.
Nigeria (62th in 2007, 60th in 2006)
Poor infrastructure and a difficult business environment place Nigeria near the bottom of the regional and global rankings, despite a better macroeconomic outlook due to expanded production of oil and gas. However, it scores fairly well for digital development strategy.
Pakistan (63rd in 2007, 67th in 2006)
Cheap high-speed Internet access (coupled with a steep increase in the penetration of cheap mobile phones) helped Pakistan increase its connectivity score and leap up four places in the overall ranking.
Profile: The top 20 countries come from Western Europe, North America and Asia Pacific; only two have dropped out since 2000.
Political Environment
Economic Environment
Social Environment
Technological Environment
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Profile: There are two distinct groups: countries that fell behind peers due to slow economic reforms and those that accelerated growth through fast-paced market reforms; dominated by Central and Eastern Europe.
Profile: Most are plagued by poor social infrastructure; low education levels; and high income variations.
