Study: UAE leads connectivity growth

Distrelec conducted a study to understand where increases in connectivity have the greatest economic impact and where there is a race to shrink by directly comparing growth in connectivity from 2014 to 2021 with changes in GDP per capita over that period Gap time.

The study measured four enablers: infrastructure, affordability, consumer readiness, and content and services. This is assessed through various metrics such as 4G and 5G coverage, mobile download speeds, upload speeds, servers per capita, electricity availability, mobile ownership, apps developed per capita, and apps in local languages. Each country is awarded a maximum of 100 points each year to assess an overall connectivity score determined by these factors.

Here’s what the data reveals:

• Ranking highest for the most significant growth in connectivity is the United Arab Emirates, with a growth of 20.2 percentage points from 2014 to 2021
• The Czech Republic ranks second, rising from a score of 65.7 in 2014 to 84.5 in 2021 – an increase in GDP per capita of $6,930.33 over the period
• Ireland ranks third for connectivity growth – coinciding with an overall increase in GDP per capita of $44,529
• Germany ranks fourth with a respectable increase of 17.1 points during the study period

Countries/Regions Ranked Highest in Connectivity Growth 2014-2021

Ranking highest for the most notable increase in connectivity is the United Arab Emirates. According to the data we examined, the country has grown by 20.2 points from 2014 to 2021, starting with a score of 64.6 and increasing to 84.4. Despite exponential growth, the UAE ranks 11th in overall connectivity compared to other countries in our study as of 2021, while falling GDP per capita – USD 2,550.41.

In second place is the Czech Republic. The country’s connectivity has grown significantly, from 65.7 points in 2014 to 84.5 points in 2021, for a total of 18.8 points, ranking 12th in overall connectivity as of 2021. Nonetheless, GDP per capita actually increased by $6930.33 during the period, from $19,890.92 to $26,821.25.

A major trend revealed by this research is that even in countries with low overall connectivity rankings in 2021, GDP per capita still increased. In some cases, this has also coincided with a dramatic increase in connectivity in the country. The country leads in all four enablers, ranking highest for infrastructure (91.1) and lowest for affordability (78.7), suggesting that perhaps while the country is improving in connectivity, it is not A solution that not all citizens can afford.

Ireland ranks third for connectivity growth, rising 18.2 points from 70.4 to 88.6 between 2014 and 2021. Interestingly, this coincided with an overall increase in GDP per capita of $44,529, far exceeding any country in our study regarding GDP growth. Irish companies have been investing heavily in 5G infrastructure and delivery, which in turn has boosted the use of the technology, enabling various aspects of society, such as telemedicine services.

Germany came in fourth, growing by 17.1 percentage points during the study period. Increased from 71.9 points in 2014 to 89 points in 2021, ranking fifth in the overall connectivity score in 2021. In fifth place is Hungary. The country has grown by 14.5 percent over the years, but there is still some way to go considering the country ranks 15th in our study as of 2021.

Overall, the findings of this study suggest that increased connectivity contributes to higher GDP per capita in a context where state investments are aimed at enhancing workplace productivity and technological advancement for growing firms.

We also see a significant increase in GDP per capita in countries that do not rank highly in overall connectivity but have seen significant growth between 2014 and 2021. But there is still much work to be done to close the gap between the countries that are emerging and improving, as well as those that are progressing and prospering.