Bulgaria’s IT industry ranks 42 out of 64 countries in its competitiveness, according to research by the Economist Intelligence Unit, sponsored by Business Software Association (BSA).

Several countries have all the factors needed for the development of a successful IT industry, but only three could offer very favourable climates, including the US, Japan and South Korea, researchers found.

The competitiveness index was based on the business climate, IT infrastructure, human resources, legislation and state support for the IT industry, Dnevnik daily reported.

Bulgaria earned 31.6 points, placing the country 42nd. The highest number of points was given to business opportunities in the sector, 63 points, followed by legislative framework, 59.5 points and specialists availability in the country.

The US competitiveness index was 77.4, Japan 72.7 and South Korea 67.2.

Romania was 40th with a competitiveness index of 32.1. Greece was 33rd.

Behind Bulgaria were China and India, in spite of those countries’ human potential and low salaries.  The two countries lacked appropriate business climates and innovations in the sector.