The annual Networked Readiness Index released on July 6 by Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF) showed that India dropped two places to 91st position on a global list of countries in term of their readiness for transition to a digitized economy and society. For the fourth year in a row India come down in its position, from 89th in 2015, 83rd in 2014 and 68th in 2013. According to the WEF data, Singapore topped once again in the list and Finland also retained its second place. Others in the top-ten are Sweden, Norway, the US, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, Luxembourg and Japan.
Among the major emerging markets, India is ranked the lowest with Russia retaining the top place at 41st rank, followed by China at 59th (up three places), South Africa up 10 places at 65th and Brazil moving up to 72nd position. The report said that India has scored better in terms of political and regulatory environment (78th position), though it fared worse in terms of business and innovation environment (110th).
Further report added that, only 15 out of 100 households have access to the Internet and mobile broadband remains a privilege of the few, with only 5.5 subscriptions for every 100 people. The annual Networked Readiness 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.