In regards to Croatia's readiness to the Networked World I would say that they are a viable option.  Croatia has the technology, infrastructure and network set up that could support them within the networked world.  Now that they are participating in the Trans-Asia-Europe fiber optic project and are considering the ADRIA 1 project with Germany, Albania and Greece this will only make them stronger.  Also Croatia has a very strong and positive regards towards the education that is set up.  They view their education as a constitutional right and most students move from elementary to secondary and finally into a higher education or university.  Their literacy rate of 98.1% and the educational structure of CARNet and Cisco will support them in the networked world.

The future looks bright for Croatia's network environment as the infrastructure is in place to continue to build on the technological advancements that have been made since 2004.  Although the regions technological growth has been hindered a bit by the financial crisis, it appears that the Croatian government is serious about continuing to invest in their network and telecommunications infrastructure.   This is evident when they roll out initiatives that include developing new broadband technologies, stimulating the development of electronic business activities, reducing the digital divide and establishment of conditions for equal participation, and consistently monitoring and evaluating their network infrastructure.  Our recommendation for Croatia, is to have the nation continue to invest in their network infrastructure (includes R & D), and also utilize their global memberships to bring in and sustain a stable and reliable network for their citizens.

The Network economy in Croatia includes a Stage 4 classification despite the nation's recent financial crisis.  The economy is ripe with opportunities and it appears many of the world's top businesses are looking to have a presence within the region.  Our recommendation is for Croatia to be flexible with allowing new global businesses to enter in their economy.  The presence of new businesses can enhance the technological landscape of the region and give the citizens and government the ability to leverage the technology to stimulate a stronger economy.

On the Network policies aspect Croatia is making a steady improvement in the recent years and the country is in stage 4 with respect to telecommunications regulations. Mobile phone network is expanding in a good pace and there is a wide choice of providers from which the customers can pick their mobile phone providers. This has resulted in bringing down the cost of owning a mobile phone and it is affordable to general public. As a country Croatia is investing more into ICT that puts them on stage 3 on ICT trade policy.

Croatia is not a much popular country among the CEE countries for IT outsourcing and there are only a few Croatian companies that provides It solution services for global companies and there are not many big players in IT services industry. In short Croatia has to go a long way to become a top country that provides IT services to global companies.