Out of all models in the Networked World framework, “Networked Economy” is by far the most convoluted.  There is not a single Stage level that can reflect a pattern. 

            If you notice, “ICT Employment Opportunities” is the only category in this model that is at Stage 3.  The reason for this is simple; ICT employment is extremely high in Iraq right now.  The U.S. Government is currently hiring private contractors to be on the forefront of the reconstruction of Iraq.  Not only the U.S. Government, but even private contractors like Northrop Grumman.  If you have the unique ICT skill sets, you can find a contract position that can pay as much as $500 per day.  The main ICT skills being sought is systems administration and networking, which is being geared toward the reconstruction of telecommunications in Iraq.

            Besides foreign government providing ICT employment opportunities, there is also a huge boom by the Iraq Information and Communications Technology Alliance, the Iraqi entity that is in charge of ICT reconstruction.  There are several dozen public and private companies that are investing in Iraq’s reconstruction, including:

            These companies are all involved with reconstruction efforts of ICT in Iraq.  They are also providing ICT hardware and logistics, such as Cisco Systems providing switching and routing gear for ICT datacenters and hubs.