A recent report by the World Economic Forum placed Sweden first in a global ranking of countries in terms of their readiness for technology business in 2009. The US fell to fifth place from its third place last year, with Denmark, Switzerland and Singapore all ranking higher.

The UK is currently 13 behind Finland, Canada, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Norway, Taiwan and Iceland, respectively, and preceding Germany (placed 14th) and France (placed 18th).  China, India and Romania showed the biggest improvements in internet technology readiness since 2000.

According to The Networked Readiness Index, which measures the integration of technology into business, the available infrastructure and policy environment favourable for fostering a culture of innovation, Denmark is now world leader in technological advancement, with its Nordic neighbours Sweden, Finland and Norway claiming second, fourth and 10th place respectively.  Of the European countries only Switzerland, the Netherlands and at ninth place, the UK make the top 10, with the US at seventh place, just ahead of Iceland!