Bahrain ranked 28th in ICT use

Manama : Bahrain has been ranked 28th in the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), according to findings of a new research.

Bahrain, which used ICT “efficiently and effectively,” was ranked high along with other GCC nations in the Network Readiness Index made by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The index ranked countries on how well they use technology and how advanced the ICT sector is. 

Out of 139 nations, the GCC region fared well with the neighbouring countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar attaining high ranks. Only Oman (52) and Kuwait (61) lagged behind while UAE (26) and Qatar (27) ranked higher than Bahrain. Saudi Arabia closely trailed Bahrain as it ranked 33. 

The index was prepared by WEF as part of its Global Information Technology Report 2016. 

The Networked Readiness Index (NRI) represents a key tool in assessing countries’ preparedness to reap the benefits of emerging technologies and capitalise on the opportunities presented by the digital transformation and beyond. 

The report also assessed the factors, policies, and institutions that enable a country to fully leverage information and communication technologies (ICTs) 

For the NRI, the countries were assessed over four categories of indicators: 1) the overall environment for technology use and creation (political, regulatory, business, and innovation); (2) networked readiness in terms of ICT infrastructure, affordability, and skills; (3) technology adoption/usage by the three groups of stakeholders (government, the private sector, and private individuals); and (4) the economic and social impact of the new technologies.

“Whenever relevant, the Index looks at what the different actors in society, both private and public, can do to contribute to the country’s networked readiness,” researchers said in a statement.