US maintains its leading role in IT Industry, Sept 2009

The Economist Intelligence Unit’s annual study, sponsored by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), reveals that countries in Asia, Latin America and Europe are taking deliberate steps to improve their technology environments, although the U.S. remains the
Leader in providing the most competitive conditions for the information
technology (IT) industry.

Some interesting finding of the study:

Despite economic slow down, the IT industry remains strong in the US and around the world and broadband networks availability is a critical part of IT industry success. (I have always believed that having high-speed internet access is a necessity rather than added advantage in today’s work environment.)

India, China and Brazil are still far behind in broadband penetration and the growth rate still not adequate to support IT growth (this is disappointing finding considering the ambitious IT industries these countries have.)

The ever persisting problem of labor movement, especially to the US, IT is a global industry and growth could be hindered by restrictions on labor movements. (the US has lost thousands of IT workers on the last few years due to limitations on Visas or due to the difficulty faced by foreign IT workers to remain in the country permanently.)