Understanding the policy implications of ICT for development
Clarke, Matthew 2011, Understanding the policy implications of ICT for development, in ICTs and sustainable solutions for the digital divide : theory and perspectives, Information Science Reference, Hershey, Pa., pp.297-314.
ICTs and sustainable solutions for the digital divide : theory and perspectives
Editor(s)
Steyn, Jacques Johanson, Graeme
Publication date
2011
Chapter number
15
Total chapters
15
Start page
297
End page
314
Total pages
18
Publisher
Information Science Reference
Place of Publication
Hershey, Pa.
Summary
Information and communication technologies are thought by some to offer a new solution to world poverty. It is argued that information and communication technologies (ICT) allow poor countries to ‘leap-frog’ traditional stages of development and become immediately engaged with the ‘new economy’. Such an optimistic view requires appropriate government policies to facilitate this shift. Interventions required would include improving access levels and quality of telecommunication and electricity infrastructure, improved quality of education and numbers of those accessing education, and providing both direct and indirect support to encourage local firms to become engaged with the global economy. Ironically, these policies are consistent with current orthodox development policies currently pursued within the ‘traditional’ economy. This chapter therefore considers what exactly is new about ICT in terms of its potential impact on the poor.
ISBN
9781615207992 1615207996 9781615208005
Language
eng
Field of Research
169999 Studies in Human Society not elsewhere classified