U.S. still ahead in tech, but for how long?

A new study conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit for the Business Software Alliance (BSA) has found the U.S. lead in information technology is slipping. While the U.S. still has a highly competitive information technology industry, the signs are troubling. The study released Sept. 16 ranks 66 countries in six areas. They include the availability of skilled labor,  innovation friendliness and the strength of its legal protections for intellectual property.

The U.S. scored highest among all nations, but its rating fell from last year, and it was tops in only three of the categories. Robert Holleyman, president and CEO of the BSA, said Americans should be aware that they can no longer take this country's leadership for granted. One disturbing trend was the U.S. ranking of fifth for research and development behind Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Sweden. The U.S. also was behind Canada, Singapore, Britain, and Norway in support for IT development.

For more of these findings:
- check out this Business Week article