Understanding the Policy Implications of ICT for Development

Abstract

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.