Implications for Virtual Worlds: A Comparative Study of United Kingdom, United States and Australia on Network Readiness, Government Investment and Cyber-security.

Abstract

Universities and Colleges are utilizing virtual worlds such as Secondlife in increasing numbers worldwide. Virtual Worlds also contribute to access to knowledge and the economic development of countries. The capacity for continued utilization and development of virtual worlds is influenced by government policy and investment.   The worldwide performance index of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the Network Readiness Index (NRI) of the World Economic Forum. This paper compares and contrasts the performance of the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia since 2006.   This paper then provides a comparison of the UK, US and the Australian government ICT policies and expenditure, as well as each governments approach to cyber-security and Virtual Worlds. The US and the UK have embraced virtual world technologies and Australia has ignored the opportunities presented by Virtual Worlds.