Characteristics of countries with knowledge societies

• A high level of economic development overall
• A high literacy level among the population at larger
• A high level of student enrolment in public and private educational establishments
• A high level of computer literacy
• A large installed base or park of PCs and ICTs
• A telecommunications infrastructure that provides universal access
• Ready and easy access to ICTs and the Internet. This comes from a liberal, open and competitive market for Internet services. The greater the numbers of competing ISPs, the greater the number of Internet users, local Web sites and electronic services available via the Internet
• A strong public education establishment, at all levels, from primary, through secondary and tertiary education, supported by continued investment in teacher training and equipment
• A sound business environment, supported by a sound financial and banking sector and access to credit on competitive terms for SMEs
• Presence of small, medium and large investors looking for opportunities and ready to invest locally
• Opportunities for outside investors
• A market for electronic goods and services