US Loses Position as Technology King
According to a report by the World Economic Forum the United States has lost it’s top position as world technology king.
The number one position is now held by Denmark. Of the top ten positions four went to Scandinavian countries. As countries are judged on technological advancements in general business, the available infrastructure, and the extent to which government policy creates a framework necessary for economic development and increased competitiveness the Scandinavian nations must get high marks for government leadership.
The US still shows a strong leadership position with innovation, it has just declined from the top spot. The American higher education system does teach students not to fear taking risks and to be willing to try new procedures. In addition, institutions of higher learning in America have a high degree of co-operation with industry, which helps with the transfer of information that leads to innovation in producing new products and services.
Unfortunately, America’s lower position in the rankings seem to be at least partly due to a lack of strong government leadership in setting a favorable regulatory environment. It is apparent that the success of the Scandinavian countries is due in large measure to their governments placing a high degree of importance on technical innovation and have forward looking regulations in place that favor innovation.
As I’ve stated from time to time in Article Discovery leadership does matter. In a highly competitive world a few years of less than stellar forward thinking competent leadership at the top levels of government will all too soon impact the quality of live enjoyed by the citizens of that nation.
This fact is an important one to keep in mind for Americans as they enter the 2008 election season. The man or woman who is elected as President in 2008 must demonstrate the utmost in competence and leadership to bring America back from eight years of flawed policies.
The time of Presidential and other important campaigns being a TV “beauty contest” needs to quickly become a thing of the past. The American public must learn to be be highly critical of any candidate who offers a succession of poll driven statements written by professional political speech writers rather than personal well thought out positions on issues that really matter.
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