The annual Networked Readiness Index was released  by Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF). The index, forming part of the WEF’s Global Information Technology Report, measures countries’ success in creating the conditions necessary for a transition to a digitised economy and society.
1. The index is once again topped by Singapore, while Finland has also retained its second place. Others in the top 10 are Sweden, Norway, the US, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, Luxembourg and Japan.
2. India has slipped two places to the 91st position on a global list of countries in terms of their readiness for transition to a digitised economy and society. India’s position on the list has come down for the fourth year in a row, from 68th in 2013, 83rd in 2014 and 89th in 2015.
3. Among the major emerging markets, India is ranked the lowest, with Russia retaining the top place at the 41st rank, followed by China at 59th (up three places), South Africa up 10 places at 65th and Brazil moving up to the 72nd position.
4. India has scored better in terms of political and regulatory environment (78th position), it fares worse in terms of business and innovation environment (110th).
5. In terms of infrastructure, India is even worse at the 114th place; low levels of skills among the population (101st), while it is ranked very high at the 8th place in terms of affordability. India also fares poorly on sub-indices for skills and individual usage.
6. India’s performance in terms of providing online services and allowing e-participation has so far been in line with that of peer countries, but far from the global best (57th and 40th, respectively).