There are different outstanding countries who possess the
great development/ infrastructure and ability to use ICTs to
generate economic growth, foster innovation and improve the well-being of their citizens
Here are the five countries who are making the most of the digital age,
1. Finland tops the rankings for the second consecutive year,
thanks to its outstanding digital infrastructure, which the Global Information Technology Report (GITR) says is the best in the world. With more than 90% of its population using the internet, and with high levels of innovation, Finland is reaping the rewards of investing heavily in ICT in the mid-1990s, which it did in response to a financial crisis.
2. Singapore remains in second place in the NRI. Supported by
a government with a clear digital strategy, which offers an ICT infrastructure that is relentlessly being improved, and the best online services and highest-quality education systems in the world, this city state has become a knowledge-intensive economy and ICT powerhouse.
3. Sweden stays in third place, reflecting its world-class yet
affordable digital infrastructure and stable pro-business environment, despite high tax rates. These strengths have led to outstanding use of ICTs by individuals, businesses and government, as well as one of the highest innovation performances in the world, making Sweden a truly knowledge- based society. 4. The Netherlands also retains its high ranking from the 2013 index. This service-based economy has quickly and skillfully recognized the importance of ICTs in boosting innovation and competitiveness. Information technology permeates all sections of society in the Netherlands, with nearly everyone able to access a computer and home internet connection, and a large number of government services available online.
5. Norway, with a well-developed and affordable ICT
infrastructure, sits in fifth place in the NRI. Digital uptake is almost universal among Norway’s population: 95% are internet users and more than 90% have access to a personal computer and internet connection at home. In addition, the country benefits from a stable pro-business and pro-innovation environment and a government that is aware of the importance of connectivity for the economic and social development of a geographically vast nation with a widely dispersed population. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become and will continue to be an integral part of the day-to-day life of every Filipino across all levels of our society. Information has always played a vital role in our history. Over the ages, people have used it to gain a more accurate picture of their current situation, make better decision for the future, and improve quality of their lives. But never has information been more accessible and more widespread than it is today.
DAVAO- In recent years the information technology (IT)
industry has helped fuel the growth of the Philippines' economy as it continues to attract investors and at the same time provide jobs to Filipinos. Davao City has blossomed into one of the major players in the IT industry, the proof of which is the continues rise of IT parks and growing number of IT companies in the city. The IT companies in Davao City are employing roughly around 45,000 to 50,000 individuals, home-based and center-based, as compared to the previous estimated 21,000 a couple of years ago. The improved employment in the IT industry are due to the expansion of existing players in the city. One of the reasons why more and more IT companies are expanding or coming in is due to the improved general power situation in Mindanao and better broadband connection. The Globe Telecom's successful landing of the Southeast Asia (SEA)- United States (US) submarine cable system in Barangay Talomo, Davao City in March will definitely help the IT sector. Globe is part of SEA-US cable system consortium that will link five that include Manado (Indonesia), Davao (Philippines), Piti (Guam), Oahu (Hawaii, United States), and Los Angeles (California, United States). Globe said the $250 million project is a 14,000- kilometer cable system that will "consist of two fiber pairs with an initial design capacity of 20 terabits per second and will use the latest in submarine fiber-optic technology with 100 gigabits per second transmission equipment per pair. This new gateway, which will be operational by the third or fourth quarter, will improve the reliability and cost of the broadband in the city. When the cost of broadband goes down and it is more reliable that will be spur more locators. Aside from Globe, Smart and PLDT has also improved its broadband services in Davao City. This allows a resilient and better broadband services for the companies. The availability of graduates and talents in Davao City are also sufficient to cater to the demands and needs of the expanding IT companies. The growth of the IT industry in the city in recent years is going in the right direction, IT companies are investing in Davao City because they see it as an alternative to Metro Manila and Cebu City, which are occasionally hit with typhoons. The online education sector is one of the fastest growing sector of the industry with local tutors teaching English to Chinese, Japanese, and Korean clients. Home based IT workers, which is estimated to be somewhere around 7,000 individuals, are also growing in the recent years. At present, only a few IT companies in Davao City are offering multi-lingual services like Flatworld Solutions- Philippines, which offers Spanish voice and non-voice services. By 2020, IT companies will be able to employ some 70,000 individuals.