In this example the internet offers opportunities to enhance social capital among craftspeople within a cooperative and builds bridging social capital by connecting producers and consumers who would otherwise not be able to do business together. Examples of such NGOs include PEOPlink , Institute for Economic Justice and Indigenous Technology , and Aid to Artisans . Private Sector Development Information technology allows firms to establish relationships with suppliers and other contractors at a lower cost and at a wider range. This can help firms to become more competitive by accessing greater resources and information while lowering their transportation costs and saving communication time. As evidenced in industrialized nations, civic participation in politics and society in general can be solicited through the internet.
Government can decentralize while staying in close 'virtual' contact to facilitate coordination.
Volunteerism can be generated by putting people in touch with the NGOs which speak to their interests and values. There is a great risk that information technology will exclude poor people and entire societies, making the gap between the rich and poor wider. This is because information technology requires expensive computers, telephone access and literacy skills. There may also be a language barrier. For more information on this subject, search our database for documents on Social Capital and Information Technology.