3rd place for Finland in the information society comparison of the World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum’s Global Information Technology Report, released on 9 March, ranked Finland third after Singapore and Iceland. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has for the fourth time assessed the state of ICT readiness in 104 countries using the Networked Readiness Index (NRI). The comprehensive index measures the operating environment of an information society, the degree of preparation of a nation or community and the use of ICT.

The report shows that the Government information society programme’s target, i.e. to maintain Finland’s position as one of the leading producers and users of ICT, is well underway. For instance, the top economy of the broadband development, the Republic of Korea, ranked 24th and the United States fifth.

Finland scored high in the European Commission survey, published on 8 March, comparing online government services in 28 European countries. Together with Sweden, Austria, Great Britain, Norway and Denmark, Finland is among the top countries judged by the online sophistication indicator of public services. Using the indicator for full availability of services, Finland ranked third after Sweden and Austria.

The central aim of the Government Information Society Programme is to increase competitiveness and productivity by utilising ICT in the whole society. The Programme aims to promote social and regional equality and improve citizens’ well-being. Provision of public services regardless of time and place is one way of reaching the aim.

The Government Information Society Programme covers more than a hundred different measures or projects related to information society development that concern both public and private sectors.

Further information: Programme Director Katrina Harjuhahto-Madetoja, Prime Minister's Office, tel. +358 9 1602 2363 or +358 40 820 0750

>> The World Economic Forum’s Global Information Technology Report
>> The European Commission survey of online government services in Europe
>> Further information on the Government Information Society Programme