Europe, particularly Nordic countries among highest performing e-companies in world. - According to an assessment by IBM and the Economist magazine, Scandinavian companies are among the highest performing e-companies in the world and three European companies are in the top three. This annual ranking of digital nations' “e-Readiness” lists 70 of the biggest economies in the world, based on their capacity of use information and communication technology (ICT). Denmark was in 5th place last year but now heads the Top 10, followed by Sweden (3rd in 2008). Norway jumps from 11th to 4th place, while Finland moves from 13th to 10th place. The Netherlands is in 3rd place (7th in 2008). Australia is in 6th (4th last year), followed by Singapore (6th last year) and Hong Kong, 8th place this year and 2nd place in 2008. Canada goes from 12th to 9th place. (I.L./trans/rh)