United States Dethroned as World’s Largest Tech User

February 11, 2010 - By Justin E. Gehrke

February 11, 2010 – When people think of the United States, there is often the assumption that everything is bigger, better, and more proliferous. Such being the case, the same should apply to how much and how well technology is used by United States as well, correct? Well, up until 2009, it was. Results of an annual survey released today revealed that Sweden has taken away the number one position from the United States to become the world’s largest user of technology.

The measurement tool, known as the Connectivity Scorecard, was created in 2008 by Professor Leonard Waverman, of the London Business School. The scorecard considers factors such as the technological skills of users and their overall usage of networks, cellphones, and computers. Placing second in last year’s survey, Sweden moved into first place in 2009 and doesn’t appear to be descending any time soon. This is according to Waverman, who commented, “Sweden not only has the best current mix of attributes, but it also shows few signs of losing its lead.”

Waverman also indicated that the gap between lower ranking countries and the U.S., in terms of technology education and skills, continues to narrow. Of the developed countries list, Hungary, Greece, and Poland held the lowest positions in the survey. The survey also examines the progress of developing countries, as well. This year’s list a developing countries has Malaysia in first place and South Africa in second.

The complete list of results, as well as a very detailed explanation of what and how the survey measurements are conducted, is available on the official website for The Connectivity Scorecard.

Reference: The Official Website for the Connectivity Scorecard

(Source: Reuters Sweden)