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Open Economies - IT disparity between developed and developnig economies, the factors [Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index] IT disparity between developed and developnig economies, the factors
Hello, Kindly find a report on the subject for publication: Many thanks Gershon ******************************************************************* Title: Critical Analysis of the impact of Socio-economic and Political Factors on Information Technology (IT) Disparity between Developed and Developing Countries. By Gershon Kofi Adzadi, Accra - Ghana Abstract This report highlights the impact of various factors relating to some impediments which are associated with the rapid proliferation of IT infrastructure in the developing countries which account for the technological disparity between developed and developing economies. Not only that but would also attempt to address how such impediments could be surmounted so that the gap between the two divides could be minimized. The 21st century brings with it truly a fundamental change, which is altering all aspects of business, government and society as a whole (AC & C)1. Information Technology (IT) has taken central stage in all forms of business activities. In line with that, various software and applications are being rapidly developed to bring about efficiencies in business and organizational practices so as to enhance economic growth and development. There is therefore the need for developing countries to take advantage of innovations offered by IT to leap frog the ailing economies of the developing countries. IT changes such as continual performance improvements, expanded storage capacity; expanded capabilities of software and the Internet affect all aspects of management and society. (D.L. Anderson, 1997). Increased competition forces organizations to cut cost and operate with fewer human resources. The growth of small businesses encourages entrepreneurs to run their own business and consulting firms and the continued innovations in IT is encouraging even more changes to business and society. Unlike the early days of information technology when the industry focused on centralized host-architectures, in recent years we found the PC with decentralised computing and storage capacity being the hub for progress in the majority of information systems. Today and for the future, this industry will circle around the network and the database. Network computing therefore is emerging as a business strategy, enabling society to collaborate, to share information on products and services without regard for physical distance. The moving force in the development of the new-economy and e-society however is not just the new technology. The real catalyst is a powerful set of emerging society needs and priorities, increased speed to market, flexibility, global expansion and a closer integration of customers and suppliers. To meet these priorities, highly effective information and communication tools are required. These tools constitute the new wave of Information Technology, and its associated impact on society. This new wave is redefining value and competitiveness and changing the nature of commercial transactions. IT is changing the way people work, communicate, receive products and services, get educated and enjoy entertainment. In the midst of the global benefits of IT, there are both good news and bad news for the developing economies. The bad is that with an estimated 300 million computers in the world, barely one per cent of them are found in the developing countries and in Africa in particular (AC&C, 2000)1. Furthermore while the number of Internet users in Europe and U.S.A. is estimated at about one in six, the figure is one in a thousand in Africa. Take South Africa out of the equation, and it is one in five thousand (AC&C). Other specific problems are briefly discussed as follows: The astronomical cost of Internet facilities is a disincentive to users in the developing countries. For instance it has been observed at an international forum that the high cost of internet subscription in Nigeria could put the country in the back seat of the emerging e-commerce (www.cnnia.com) Another factor, which impacts negatively on IT development in the developing countries, is the inadequate infrastructure base existing in the developing countries. It is for this reason that the Federal Government of Nigeria was recently advised to provide uninterrupted power supply and telecommunication facilities for the effective functioning of computers and internet services (www.cnnia.com) The issue of political instability, poverty, ignorance and of late, disease such as HIV/AIDS and lack of the political-will on the part of governments to integrate computerization into their national budgets and economic development programmes are other factors which impact adversely on the progress of computerization in the developing countries. Cultural issues also play a role in running multinational computer networks in developing countries. Added to that, the work habits of employees also vary in different countries. It has been observed through a survey that it is difficult to obtain qualified service personnel at some times of the day or night. These issues can be critical for computer networks that need to remain in operation 24 hours a day. In some countries it is still considered inappropriate to have female managers where there are male subordinates. Collecting reliable information on marketing and data on age and income could be exceedingly difficult or even culturally forbidden in some of these developing (G. V. Post, 1997). The good news however is that, as prices and barriers go down and awareness and computer literacy is making progress, IT imports are streaming into the developing countries at unprecedented rate. India and Malaysia are leading the way with their burgeoning software industry and innovative version of Silicon Valley respectively. In the face of the challenges that face us, Information Technology is not just our big chance. It is our last chance (Computer Network News In Africa (CNNI)). Some of the specific solutions can be found in the brief discussion as follows: The governments in developing countries should adopt bold political programmes that would resolve all bottlenecks associated with computerization in their respective countries. For instance, Thabo Mbeki, the South African president recently appointed IT advisory panel to advise the government on IT strategy and how to surmount the digital divide (CNNI) It has also been reported that the Nigerian government is currently producing a bill to establish a legal framework for the emerging e-economy (A. Anderson, 2000). Another solution rests in raising the level of awareness of computer education in the developing countries (Adedeji, 2000). Furthermore, companies should be encouraged to invest in the IT sector in the developing economies. The initiative taken by Saudi Ben Mahfouz Investment Group to announce it is to invest $100 million in IT projects in Egypt (CNNI) is therefore in the right direction. There is the need to do further research on the subject. Some of the issues which must be addressed in detail are as follows: - * How does socio-economic factors impact on computerization in developing countries?. * The effect of political decisions on IT proliferation in the developing countries. * How does diverse cultural practices pose impediments on the subject or otherwise?. * Can the improvement of ill-equipped educational institutions reverse this trend. * What are some of the legal hurdles to surmount in the attempt to close the digital divide * Is the technical support adequate for the technology as exists in the developed economies? * How can the security of the systems ensure confidence of users in these countries. * What kind of steps to be taken to reverse the growing technology gap between developed and developing economies. * Other related factors that need to be investigated. * What are the benefits of these findings to society? 1 (African Computing and Communication Year Book, 2000) Gershon Adzadi IT Manager Ghana Civil Aviation Authority gershona@hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.
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