Are poor countries losing the information revolution (original) (raw)

Information systems in developing countries a critical research review

In this paper I review the Information Systems (IS) research on how developing countries have attempted to benefit from information and communication technologies (ICTs). First I identify three discourses on IS implementation and associated organizational and social change that coexist in information systems in developing countries (ISDC) research, namely as a process of technology and knowledge transfer and adaptation to local social conditions; as a process of socially embedded action; and as a process of transformative techno-organizational intervention associated with global politics and economics. I then point out the distinctive research agenda that has been formed in ISDC studies, both in the more familiar IS themes -failure, outsourcing, and strategic value of ICT -and also in studies of themes relevant specifically to the context of developing countries, such as the development of community ICT and information resources. Finally, I call the reader's attention to the potentially significant theoretical contributions of ISDC research for understanding IS innovation in relation to social context and in relation to socio-economic development theories and policies.

Wiring the World: Access to Information Technology and Development in Poor Countries

Research in Social Stratification and Mobility, 2005

Scholars and policy makers continue to debate whether information technology (IT) facilitates economic growth and quality of life throughout the world. ''Cyber optimists'' argue that access to IT promotes development whereas ''cyber pessimists'' assert that such access simply exacerbates global inequality. Our quantitative analysis generally supports the former perspective, showing that access to IT increases economic expansion and decreases child mortality in the developing world. However, the increasing ''digital divide'' between rich and poor countries threatens the capacity of IT to contribute to development and may, in the long run, provide greater support to those who criticize development efforts based on information technology.

Information and communication technology and poverty: An Asian perspective

2001

The emergence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), in particular the Internet, has generated new enthusiasms about the development prospects for poor economies. Many now think that new technologies can provide a faster route to better livelihoods and improved quality of life than the one afforded by the standard process of industrialization. The opposing view holds that the focus on ICTs will detract attention from the more fundamental task of addressing the basic problems of economic development.

State of the Art Information systems in developing countries: a critical research review

In this paper I review the Information Systems (IS) research on how developing countries have attempted to benefit from information and communication technologies (ICTs). First I identify three discourses on IS implementation and associated organizational and social change that coexist in information systems in developing countries (ISDC) research, namely as a process of technology and knowledge transfer and adaptation to local social conditions; as a process of socially embedded action; and as a process of transformative techno-organizational intervention associated with global politics and economics. I then point out the distinctive research agenda that has been formed in ISDC studies, both in the more familiar IS themes – failure, outsourcing, and strategic value of ICT – and also in studies of themes relevant specifically to the context of developing countries, such as the development of community ICT and information resources. Finally, I call the reader's attention to the potentially significant theoretical contributions of ISDC research for understanding IS innovation in relation to social context and in relation to socioeconomic development theories and policies.

Information Revolution and Policy Implications for Developing Countries

2000

Discussion paper 2002 is combination of six papers prepared for the International Workshop on The Information Revolution and Economic and Social Exclusion in Developing Countries. These papers are the outcomes of two major themes set for the workshop: "The Developments of Access and Effective Use of Information Technology and Exclusion" and "The Gender Dimension in Exclusion".

Exploring the Role of ICT in Development: An International Perspective, A Panel Discussion

2007

This panel will bring together a range of experts from around the world to explore the potential role of information and communications technologies (ICT) in socio-economic development. The panel will be highly interactive with each panellist speaking for a short period, which will then be followed by comments from fellow panellists and the audience. The session will be formulated as a series of topical debates on ICT and development with each panellist taking on a particular perspective, drawing from a range of national and regional contexts.