US loses top spot in technology

The United States has dropped to seventh in the 2007 World Economic Forum's "networked readiness index." The index measures the range of factors that affect a country's ability to harness information technologies for economic competitiveness and development. They noted the U.S.' low rate of mobile telephone usage, lack of governmental leadership in information technology, and the low quality of math and science education.

Nordic countries — traditionally strong in all surveys conducted by the Geneva-based Forum — dominated the top of the rankings. Denmark edged Sweden for the top spot, while Finland was behind in fourth.

Singapore, which topped the poll in 2005, was the top Asian nation in third. Rounding out the top 10 were Switzerland, fifth; Netherlands, sixth; Iceland, eighth; Britain, ninth; and Norway, 10th.

U.S. was first in last year's report.