Global E-Readiness Gap Threatens Pace of Economic Growth 01/09/00 World economic expansion will stagnate unless key countries act quickly to increase their 'e-readiness'; yet growing demand in those markets creates many opportunities for e-business, according to a recent report from McConnell International, a global policy and technology consulting firm. The report, 'Risk E-Business: Seizing the Opportunity of Global E-Readiness', rates 42 key economies' connectivity, e-leadership, information security, human capital, and e-business climate. The report rated the 'e-readiness' of the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Vietnam. It found that 23 countries, including China, Indonesia, Russia, and South Africa, require substantial improvement in at least two rated areas before e-business and e-government will flourish. According to Bruce W. McConnell, President of McConnell International, "The networked world is under construction. Smart companies will get in on the ground floor, but they should wear hard hats. The foundations are still unfinished. Many countries have not yet created the conditions that permit full participation in the digital economy." The report decried 'a myopic view of the state of national e-readiness' in some countries. All nations are urged to: Promote private sector investment in infrastructure. Set an example by offering government services online. Build trust by enhancing security, privacy, and intellectual property protection. Create incentives to retain skilled technologists and managers. Foster competition and transparency. "The technology permits countries to leap from the old to the new economy. But if the gulfs between aspirations and accomplishments widen much more, it will be hard to make that leap," McConnell added. "E-business will thrive in the countries that take the proven steps to progress."