Includes bibliographical references and index.

IT-based services : global outlook -- Large markets and growing opportunities -- Economic impacts of developing IT and ITES industries -- Other impacts : social benefits policy reforms and country brand -- Country competitiveness in the global market of IT-based services -- Assessing potential competitiveness -- Location readiness index -- The relative competitiveness of small countries -- Relative competitiveness of least developed countries -- Policy options to enhance competitiveness -- Policies targeted at the IT services and ITES industries -- Institutions and leadership following an adaptive and engaged approach to policy -- Policy options for nurturing and expanding the talent pool -- Policy options for reducing costs -- Policy options to address infrastructure barriers -- Policy options to improve the broader business environment -- Dimensions of the LRI : what is needed to be competitive? -- Applying the LRI model to the US, India, Kenya, and Indonesia -- Detailed assessments -- Findings from the analysis.