Breaking The Digital Divide
Implications For Developing Countries
Contributors: Elena Murelli, Rogers W'O Okot-Uma
Publication date: 1 January 2002
Size:
240mm x 165mm
ISBN: 978-0-85092-672-9
Pages: 192
Dynamism and innovation are predominant features in the emergence of the information society and knowledge economy. The rapid deployment and proliferation of the new and emerging information and communications technologies (ICTs) herald new opportunities for growth and development. Governments worldwide are seeking to harness the massive potential offered. In particular, ICT applications promise significant benefits to include improved health care, easier access to public services, increased opportunities for training, work and leisure and, above all, good governance.
Nevertheless, in spite of the obvious benefits of ICT, the field of practice is not without undesirable consequences and impacts. This is particularly relevant when seen within the context of developing countries where relative differences in both speed of adoption and access to ICT are most marked, contributing to uneven economic progress and development. The rapidly widening Digital Divide must be narrowed and its impact lessened to avoid long-term unwanted consequences.
In Breaking the Digital Divide: Implications for Developing Countries, Elena Murelli ably and formidably succeeds in a critical analysis of the various dimensions of the Digital Divide for developing countries. The book articulates the issues and problems encountered and outlines steps the Developing Countries can take to facilitate growth and development within and between countries.
Well researched, informative and authoritative this work will specifically advise and inform organisations and governments wanting to make the transition to an information society and knowledge economy. The message is clearly conveyed - no Developing Country can afford to be left behind.
Nevertheless, in spite of the obvious benefits of ICT, the field of practice is not without undesirable consequences and impacts. This is particularly relevant when seen within the context of developing countries where relative differences in both speed of adoption and access to ICT are most marked, contributing to uneven economic progress and development. The rapidly widening Digital Divide must be narrowed and its impact lessened to avoid long-term unwanted consequences.
In Breaking the Digital Divide: Implications for Developing Countries, Elena Murelli ably and formidably succeeds in a critical analysis of the various dimensions of the Digital Divide for developing countries. The book articulates the issues and problems encountered and outlines steps the Developing Countries can take to facilitate growth and development within and between countries.
Well researched, informative and authoritative this work will specifically advise and inform organisations and governments wanting to make the transition to an information society and knowledge economy. The message is clearly conveyed - no Developing Country can afford to be left behind.
Contents
FOREWORD
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
1 INTRODUCING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
1.1 Introduction
1.2 The Digital Divide
1.3 The Global Society
1.4 Internet
2 GROWTH OF THE INTERNET
2.1 The Expectations
2.2 Indicators for Measuring Growth of the Internet
2.3 Development of the Internet in the USA
2.4 Development of the Internet in the Europe
3 THE INTERNET IN THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
3.1 The Causes of Underdevelopment of the Internet
3.2 The Telecommunications Infrastructure
3.3 ISP in the Developing Countries
3.4 The Information and Communications Technology Industry
4 THE ON-LINE EDUCATION
4.1 Social Progress
4.2 The Use of the Internet in Education
4.3 Distance Learning
5 THE NET AND HEALTH INFORMATICS
5.1 Medicine
5.2 HealthNet
5.3 Further Examples
5.4 How to Value the Support by Internet
6 THE NET AND THE ECONOMY OF THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
6.1 The Internet as a Development Factor
6.2 Agriculture
6.3 The Enterprises
6.4 The Services: the Banks and Tourism
7 THE REGULATION OF INTERNET
7.1 Internet Governance the Role of the State
7.2 The Censorship of Internet in the Developing Countries
7.3 The Law about Privacy
7.4 Governments and the Telecommunications
7.5 International Development Projects
7.6 The Priorities
CONCLUSIONS
Appendix I - Great World Groups
Appendix II - Communications Satellite Projects
Appendix III - UNDP Indexes to Measure Human Development
Appendix IV - Regional Comparison among the Rates of Human Development
Appendix V - Education Gaps
Appendix VI - Index of Tables
Appendix VII - Index of Figures
Appendix VIII - Bibliography
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
1 INTRODUCING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
1.1 Introduction
1.2 The Digital Divide
1.3 The Global Society
1.4 Internet
2 GROWTH OF THE INTERNET
2.1 The Expectations
2.2 Indicators for Measuring Growth of the Internet
2.3 Development of the Internet in the USA
2.4 Development of the Internet in the Europe
3 THE INTERNET IN THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
3.1 The Causes of Underdevelopment of the Internet
3.2 The Telecommunications Infrastructure
3.3 ISP in the Developing Countries
3.4 The Information and Communications Technology Industry
4 THE ON-LINE EDUCATION
4.1 Social Progress
4.2 The Use of the Internet in Education
4.3 Distance Learning
5 THE NET AND HEALTH INFORMATICS
5.1 Medicine
5.2 HealthNet
5.3 Further Examples
5.4 How to Value the Support by Internet
6 THE NET AND THE ECONOMY OF THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
6.1 The Internet as a Development Factor
6.2 Agriculture
6.3 The Enterprises
6.4 The Services: the Banks and Tourism
7 THE REGULATION OF INTERNET
7.1 Internet Governance the Role of the State
7.2 The Censorship of Internet in the Developing Countries
7.3 The Law about Privacy
7.4 Governments and the Telecommunications
7.5 International Development Projects
7.6 The Priorities
CONCLUSIONS
Appendix I - Great World Groups
Appendix II - Communications Satellite Projects
Appendix III - UNDP Indexes to Measure Human Development
Appendix IV - Regional Comparison among the Rates of Human Development
Appendix V - Education Gaps
Appendix VI - Index of Tables
Appendix VII - Index of Figures
Appendix VIII - Bibliography
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