Sweden Ranks as Leading Info Economy
March 6 2002
Sweden has once again been rated as the world's leading information economy, according to the 2002 IDC/World Times Information Society Index (ISI).
For the third year in a row, the ISI index ranked Sweden as the number one country with the strongest position to take full advantage of the Information Revolution with its advanced information, computer, Internet, and social infrastructures. Coming in ahead of Norway, Switzerland, and the United States, Sweden maintains this leadership with its investment in highly developed IT infrastructure, advanced educational systems, and by encouraging the growth of world class information technology clusters, such as 'Wireless Valley' and 'Telematics Valley.'
'Considering all of the dramatic changes that have taken place in the worldwide technology sector over the past two years, it is quite impressive that Sweden was named the top information economy by IDC for the third straight year,' said Erik Enroth, Executive Director of Invest in Sweden Agency, U.S. 'Our continual investment and early adoption of innovative new technologies is a strong part of our business, culture, and social infrastructure.'
Additional leading indicators about IT Sweden include:
- Sweden has the highest percentage of mobile phone use in Europe. According to Eurostat in February 2002, 74% of Swedes have a mobile phone subscription.
- Scandinavians are the most active Internet shoppers. According to the Nielsen Netratings in February 2002, 25% of Scandinavian Internet users have made a purchase online in the last six months, compared to 10% of south Europeans.
- Sweden has the cheapest broadband service and highest broadband penetration. According to a study by the Yankee Group Europe in the spring of 2001, Sweden's cost for monthly service was only $93 for 2 Mb/s, which is the cheapest in Europe, and that 13.8 percent of households in Sweden are connected via broadband.
- Swedish company costs are highly competitive in EU. According to a study by the EIU in December 2001, startup and operation expenses in Japan, Belgium, Germany, Great Britain as well as the United States were more costly than those in Sweden.
- Sweden has one of the lowest telecom rates in Europe. According to a study by the EU Commission, the average monthly charge for private persons for the EU as a whole is EUR 46 (about $4.5), while Sweden's charge is EUR 32.
- Sweden is a leader in Europe in e-government service. According to a study by Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, Sweden has advanced further than most nations in Europe in offering citizens and companies electronic public services. Sweden scored the highest for private citizen services 'employment search', 'auto registration', and 'birth and marriage certificates'. Additionally, Swedish taxpayers using a simplified declaration form will be able to file returns via the Internet starting in the spring of 2002.
- Sweden's venture capital is the fastest growing in the world. According to a study by 3i and PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sweden's venture capital market expanded at an average rate of 188% annually from 1995 to 2000.
Tracking data from 55 countries around the world, the 2002 IDC/World Times Information Society Index measures countries according to their ability to access and absorb information and information technology. To view the results of the 2002 IDC/World Times Information Society Index, visit
www.worldpaper.com/2002/feb02/isi.jpg
All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.
