ICT4D - Linking Policy to Community Outcomes
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In economic terms, the return on investment in ICT for development is increasing both at a macro level in terms of building national capabilities and at a micro, community initiative level as the body of experience grows. Nevertheless access to and benefits from ICT are still limited to a subset of the population in any given developing country and in developed countries as well.
Without a goal of universal access and "effective use" (Gurstein 2003) decisions relating to ICT4D or e-development will always be based on tradeoffs which result in exclusion of some segments of society. To answer this challenge we need to look at ICT4D holistically, that is, from national policy through to community implementation and outcomes in order to strengthen the link between these two ends of the spectrum. As the following diagram attempts to illustrate, there is a meta-process which currently dominates in the realm of ICT4D, and which reflects a developed country paradigm based on a top-down approach to policy. The current ICT4D policy framework is very evident in the national ICT policies and strategies of most developing countries who tend to follow the formula's proscribed by multi-lateral agencies in particular the World Bank. Policy tends to focus on macro issues including creating the enabling environment (industry regulation and privatisation, infrastructure development, human resources) and reducing transaction costs, increasing transparency, efficiency and access to services through e-commerce and e-government. Within this landscape there are specific policy issues to be addressed such as universal access, gender equity, government subsidy, and local content focus. Read full article at: Development Gateway |
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