g., inability to postpone gratification), and a
modicum of trust between the players in the economy - and hold
credit cards.
Alas, the countries in transition lack all of the above to
varying degrees. The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Russia
42nd (out of 60 countries) in its year 2000 "e-readiness
survey". Other CEE countries fared little better.
Penetration and coverage rates (the number of computers and
phone lines per household), network reliability, and the
absolute number of Internet users - are all dismally low.
Access fees are prohibitively high. Budding Internet
enterprises in the countries in transition are happy
exceptions that prove the depressing rule. They usually
respond to erratic local demand. Few have expanded
internationally. Even fewer engage in research and
development.
Technology was supposed to be the great equalizer (with the
rich, developed countries). It did not deliver on this
promise. Unable to catch up with Western affluence and
prosperity, the denizens of CEE are frustrated. They feel
inferior, neglected, looked down upon, dictated to, and, in
general, put down.
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