US loses technology crown to Denmark

FOR THE first time since the Dark Ages, the Danish are on top of the world when it comes to advanced technology.

Not since the days when their long ships, natty navigation techniques, and steel were the envy of Europe, have the Danes held the centre stage in the technology rankings.

Quoting a report by the World Economic Forum, the Beeb says that the Danes have knocked the US off its pedestal as the world's technology leader.

Denmark has benefited from the very effective government e-leadership, reflected in early liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, a first-rate regulatory environment and large availability of e-government services, the report said.

The US had dropped to the seventh spot thanks to a deterioration of the political and regulatory environment, the report said.

The assessment was based on a country's network readiness. It said that the US was still good for innovation thanks its tertiary education systems and its high degree of co-operation with industry.

Sweden came second, Singapore third. The poll ranked Blighty as ninth. More here.