Since 2000, the Economist Intelligence Unit has assessed the world's largest economies on their ability to absorb information and communications technology (ICT) and use it for economic and social benefit. Seventy countries are covered in the annual e-readiness rankings. E-readiness is a measure of the quality of a country’s ICT infrastructure and the ability of its consumers, businesses and governments to use ICT to their benefit. When a country uses ICT to conduct more of its activities, the economy can become more transparent and efficient. Our ranking allows governments to gauge the success of their technology initiatives against those of other countries. It also provides companies that wish to invest or trade internationally with an overview of the world’s most promising business locations from an ICT perspective. Over 100 separate criteria, both qualitative and quantitative, are evaluated for each country by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s team of analysts. These criteria are scored on their relative presence (or lack thereof) in a country's economic, political or social landscape. The categories, and the individual criteria within them, are weighted according to our assumptions of their relative importance in fostering a country's information economy. Details on the methodology can be found in the appendix. In this and previous e-readiness rankings, the Economist Intelligence Unit has worked in co-operation with the IBM Institute for Business Value and its Center for Economic Development. "More than ever before, 2009 will in hindsight be seen as 'The year of truth'," says Peter Korsten, Global Leader of the IBM Institute for Business Value. "Those that invest aggressively, competitively and wisely in ramping up connectedness and usage of the Internet and that create and drive innovative content and services will reap the benefits for many, many years to come." To read the full report, download the PDF file at the top of this page | 
