What is stopping India’s progression ?

Everybody understands the importance of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and its effects on Countries’ Economic and Business Landscape. With the progression of Web2.0 and related technologies, it is very evident that ICT plays a very important role in fostering social networks and virtual communities. It has a profound impact on business, politics, and society. What is equally evident is the increasing role that technology plays in accelerating economic growth and promoting development. The easy access of mobile telephones, for example, has made a huge difference for remote rural communities, providing relatively cheap and easy access to new markets. Similarly, greater Internet access and more affordable computers are changing the way education is provided in many countries. One of the major factors for investment in any country is its policy friendliness towards various Technological areas.

The reason for this musings – I was reading the 2007 Global Information Technology report released by World Economic Forum. It was interesting to read the Networked readiness Index rankings, which benchmarks the country in their capabilities in Information and Communication technologies (ICT). Some of the findings showed that India is ranked very lowly on this Index- and falling further progressively. With India being called the back office and Software Development Hub of the world, it was surprising. For China, the numbers are even worse!

Here is the excerpt from the report:

India and China showed a downward trend, with India falling 4 positions down to 44th and China 9 positions down to 59th compared to last year. Notwithstanding some specific clusters of ICT excellence in both countries, their performance overall in leveraging ICT for increased development appears to be particularly hindered by weak infrastructure, with a very low level of individual ICT usage for India and of individual and business readiness and usage for China.

As far the rankings go, Denmark tops the chart, with Sweden and Singapore coming at 2nd and 3rd positions. UK and US are ranked 7th and 9th respectively. What is surprising is, countries like Estonia, Malta, Slovenia, Tunisia, Qatar, Lithuania, Slovakia, Latvia and Cyprus all rank above India.
What a shame!
So what is the main factor for such a low ranking???
Infrastructure and only infrastructure!