High-Tech Readiness

Many countries are a long way from having the infrastructure to support technology companies, and economic expansion will stagnate without necessary improvements, according to a report prepared by officials of the International Y2K Cooperation Center. The report rates 42 nations on connectivity, technological leadership, information security, worker training and business climate. Twenty-three, including China, Russia and South Africa, require substantial improvement in at least two areas before technology companies and governmental tech efforts can flourish. Estonia has a top rating in governmental leadership, worker training and business climate. Taiwan rates high in the same areas. The best-rated nations, including those in Central and Southern Europe, all have skilled and educated workers, legal protections and computer security laws. The Middle East and Africa have nearly universal infrastructure problems, according to the report.