ICT for Development: solutions seeking problems?
This paper investigates information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) projects from around the world. It finds that computer and Internet promotion schemes usually fail despite active support, but mobile penetration in even the poorest countries is deepening organically. It argues that mobiles have emotional appeal because talking is a universal psycho-sociological propensity while the other two are principally utilitarian technologies that have to generate returns on investment. The search for killer apps is likely to be fruitless because technological adoption is conditional upon need and absorptive capacity. The paper raises questions about the continuing support for ICT4D among proponents. Journal of Information Technology (2012) 27, 326-338. doi:10.1057/jit.2012.19; published online 9 October 2012
development information and communication technologies ict4d digital divide e-government