Convergence In Information And Communication Technology

Growth in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector has exploded over the past 20 years. Continuous dynamic market and technology developments in this sector have led to a phenomenon known as convergence, which is defined in this volume as the erosion of boundaries between previously separate ICT services, networks, and business practices. Some examples include cable television networks that offer phone service, Internet television, and mergers between media and telecommunications firms. The results are exciting and hold significant promise for developing countries, which can benefit from expanded access, greater competition, and increased investments. However, convergence in ICT is challenging traditional policy and regulatory frameworks. With convergence occurring in countries across the spectrum of economic development, it is critical that policy makers and regulators understand and respond in ways that maximize the benefits while mitigating the risks. This volume analyzes the strategic and regulatory dimensions of convergence. It offers policy makers and regulators examples from countries around the world as they address this phenomenon. The authors suggest that countries that enable convergence are likely to reap the greater rewards, but the precise nature of the response will vary by country. Hence, this book offers global principles that should be tailored to local circumstances as regulatory frameworks evolve to address convergence.

What is Quality of Life in a society that has embraced information and communication technology (ICT)? What is Wisdom in this kind of society? And what things are helping or hindering us from having both wisdom and a good quality of life in ICT societies? Taking the reader through a quick analysis of the current social and psychological changes in the Information and Communication Society, Bradley challenges us to avoid becoming victims of technology - whether we are professionals, policymakers, parents or citizens. Indeed, she introduces a theoretical model based on four decades’ worth of research to help the reader to understand this complex, technological world. In addition to focusing the reader’s attention on convergence and acceleration, this model describes the interplay between technology, societal structure, organizational design and human roles, thus leading to what Bradley describes as a "good ICT society". Emphasising the necessity of a co-operative parallel between the automation and humanization of society, this innovative volume will be of interest to undergraduate and postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers interested in the subjects such as Information and Communication Technology and Social Change, Psychology and Sociology, Computer Technology and Media Technology.

From 1820 to 1990 the share of world income going to today’s wealthy nations soared from 20% to 70%. That share has recently plummeted. Richard Baldwin shows how the combination of high tech with low wages propelled industrialization in developing nations, deindustrialization in developed nations, and a commodity supercycle that is petering out.

The key to the future of communications is convergence, the coming together of broadcasting, cable and telecommunications services to form the new media world. The first comprehensive analysis of the conditions that have prompted a convergence of the media and communication industries is contained in this book. The authors also examine the remaining obstacles to convergence and assess the consequences of convergence for society, the individual and the businesses involved. Areas discussed include: the technology, the interactive information and entertainment services, the economics and public policies, management and marketing and the impact of convergence on our culture.

This volume aims to document the most important worldwide accomplishments in converging knowledge and technology, including converging platforms, methods of convergence, societal implications, and governance in the last ten years. Convergence in knowledge, technology, and society is the accelerating, transformative interaction among seemingly distinct scientific disciplines, technologies, and communities to achieve mutual compatibility, synergism, and integration, and through this process to create added value for societal benefit. It is a movement that is recognized by scientists and thought leaders around the world as having the potential to provide far-reaching solutions to many of today’s complex knowledge, technology, and human development challenges. Four essential and interdependent convergence platforms of human activity are defined in the first part of this report: nanotechnology-biotechnology-information technology and cognitive science (“NBIC”) foundational tools; Earth-scale environmental systems; human-scale activities; and convergence methods for societal-scale activities. The report then presents the main implications of convergence for human physical potential, cognition and communication, productivity and societal outcomes, education and physical infrastructure, sustainability, and innovative and responsible governance. As a whole, the report presents a new model for convergence. To effectively take advantage of this potential, a proactive governance approach is suggested. The study identifies an international opportunity to develop and apply convergence for technological, economic, environmental, and societal benefits. The panel also suggests an opportunity in the United States for implementing a program aimed at focusing disparate R and D energies into a coherent activity - a "Societal Convergence Initiative”. This study received input from leading academic, industry, government, and NGO experts from the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

There have been a lot of trials to apply information and communication technology (ICT) to other industrial sectors such as green convergence, smart screen & appliances, next generation broadcasting & media, mobile convergence networks, and other ICT convergence applications and services, all under the name of ICT convergence ICTC is a unique global premier event for researchers, industry professionals, and academics, which aims at interacting with and disseminating information on the latest developments in the emerging industrial convergence centered around information and communication technologies More specifically, it will address challenges with realizing ICT convergence over the various industrial sectors, including the infrastructures and applications in wireless & mobile communication, smart devices & consumer appliances, mobile cloud computing, green communication, healthcare and bioinformatics, Internet of Things (IoT), M2M, Security, and intelligent transportation

This book focuses on recent topics related to the convergence of information and communication technologies (ICT) and computing with smart devices. Domain areas of application include social, industrial, business development, and day to day life aspects. This book presents chapters related to the aforementioned topics including case studies showcasing future technological trends and challenges. Topics social inclusion solutions and social changes; smart devices and applications for day to day life; smart IoT and applications; and smart cities solutions. The book is applicable to researchers, students, professionals, and professors in a wide range of fields. Focuses on recent developments in ICT and smart devices that pose a clear benefit for users; Presents applications of ICT in education, health, electronics, communication, networking, computing, tourism, transportation; Appeals to researchers, academics, and professionals in a cross section of disciplines.