The Boston Consulting Group was recently commissioned to do a study of the internet economy in the U.K. In order to measure the reach and depth of the internet in the United Kingdom, and to make comparisons with other countries, the BCG created an international "e-intensity index." Fifty percent of the index is accounted for by enablement, which measures how internet access and how well built the infrastructure is. The other two elements in the index are expenditure, how much money consumers and businesses are spending online on e-commerce and online advertising, and engagement, which measures how actively businesses, governments and consumers are embracing the internet.
The top ranked countries in the world on the BCG's e-intensity index are shown in the accompanying graphic (click on it to see a full size version). South Korea, not surprisingly, ranks as the number two country in the world, behind Denmark. I say "not surprisingly," given the weight given to infrastructure. It is now well known aroud the world that South Korea has the most extensive and modern digital networks in the world.