The Position of the Scandinavian Countries in Global Information and Communication Technologies Indexes

Abstract

The Scandinavian countries are among of the most successful countries in terms of development, implementation and using information and communication technologies (ICT), which is confirmed by a number of global ratings in digitalization of national economies. This study aims to identify factors that allowed these countries to have held leading positions in three global indexes: the E-government Development Index, the Digital Evolution Index and the Global Connectivity Index. This study found that the main factor which lead to the success of the development of the ICT sector in the Scandinavian countries is the government programs and strategies in the field of digitalization the national economy, aimed at digitalizing of the government sector, supporting private companies in the construction of infrastructure and increasing penetration of innovative standards of mobile-cellular and fixed-broadband services. In conclusion, this study notes that the successful experience of the Scandinavian countries in the development and use of ICT can be used in the Russian economy and the others developed countries.