US Not No. 1?

Something struck me as odd about this story-

The US has lost its position as the world's primary engine of technology innovation, according to a report by the World Economic Forum.

Something about it didn't sit right with me-

Countries were judged on technological advancements in general business, the infrastructure available and the extent to which government policy creates a framework necessary for economic development and increased competitiveness.

Denmark came out on top- a real powerhouse of ideas and innovation!

"Denmark, in particular, 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," said Irene Mia, senior economist at World Economic Forum.

Perhaps the World Economic Forum can list examples of the technological innovations coming from Denmark that trump those coming from the USA? Or are there just more government initiatives?

I did actually click on the link to the WEF site and what they say is quite different from the reports and headlines coming from the BBC and other news outlets-

The Global Information Technology Report has become a valuable and unique benchmarking tool to determine national ICT strengths and weaknesses, and to evaluate progress. It also highlights the continuing importance of ICT application and development for economic growth.

The Report uses the Networked Readiness Index to measure the degree of preparation of a nation or community to participate in and benefit from ICT developments.

The NRI is composed of three component indexes which assess:
- environment for ICT offered by a country or community
- readiness of the community's key stakeholders (individuals, business and governments)
- usage of ICT among these stakeholders.

In short, it has nothing whatsoever to do with the BBC's proclaimed "technological innovation" at all and everything to do with a country's use of information and communication technology. More than a little misleading, isn't it? I guess the media has to embrace any headline that has a little bit of America bashing in it.