Information And Communication Technology For Development In The Pacific

The objective of this booklet is to raise awareness among the different stakeholders on the role ICT may play in helping to develop the Pacific region. As there is no consolidated information available on the use of ICT in the region, this publication will assist in defining strategic directions and encourage organizations to reduce poverty by improving the delivery of basic services, such as education and health through the use of ICT.

This book analyzes the common set of obstacles to the development and integration of government Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects and effective e-government initiatives in developing countries. It draws on the expertise and experience of more developed states in the Pacific, notably Australia and New Zealand, both highly rated in global rankings for e-government and active in a variety of e-government development projects across the region. There has been a general failure to identify priorities and align projects with local needs in ICT/e-government projects. Small Island Developing States (or SIDS) present a unique problem in terms of e-government. Not only do they suffer from a common set of barriers to ICT development such as their remoteness, geographical dispersion, moist tropical climates, largely rural populations, and lack of ICT capacity and infrastructure, but are also dependent on external agencies for investment, and must negotiate with powerful donors who have conflicting agendas. E-government is widely regarded as 'transformational', increasing efficiency, productivity, accountability, economic growth, and citizen involvement. But while the governments of SIDS are committed to harnessing ICTs for effective government and economic development, they face major challenges in establishing successful e-government initiatives, due to the problems outlined above, coupled with a lack of HR capacities and appropriate strategies and policies. Drawing on the experience of the states mentioned above, as well as regional quasi-governmental bodies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), aid agencies, and the private sector, the book will be of interest to researchers and students in the fields of e-government, public administration, political science, communication, information science, and social media.

The status of information and computer technology in the Asia and Pacific region is discussed in this survey that seeks to identify policies, strategies, and applications for Asian Development Bank's developing member-countries. Emphasizing the importance of information technology as a means to stimulate and foster development, this report gives educators and administrators insight into where educational technologies are headed in Asia.

Early adoption of information and communication technology can allow developing countries in Asia and the Pacific to move from labor-intensive, natural resources-based to knowledge-based economies. Higher education institutions must adopt an institution-wide, holistic information and communication technology (ICT) strategy, not a project-based approach, to avoid redundancies, obsolescence, and large maintenance costs. A coordinated top-down plus bottom-up intervention is best, with three areas requiring attention: infrastructure, application software, and staff development. ICT investments in higher education institutions in support of teaching, research, and community engagement are essential for developing and retaining competitive advantage in the knowledge economy.

The biennial Digital Review of Asia Pacific is a comprehensive guide to the state-of-practice and trends in information and communication technologies for development (ICTD) in the Asia Pacific region.This fourth edition (2009-2010) features 30 economies and four sub-regional groupings. The chapters provide updated information on ICT infrastructure, industries, content and services, key programs, enabling policies and regulation, education and capacity building, open source, and research and development initiatives, as well as ICTD challenges in each of the economies covered. The common framework that underpins these reports allows readers to undertake a comparative analysis and assess progress across Asia Pacific.In addition, regional overviews provide a synthesis of ICTD trends, regulatory issues, and lessons for managing innovation in the network economy. The thematic chapters focus on issues in ICT in education, a key area in ICTD.The authors are drawn from government, academe, industry and civil society, providing a broad perspective on the use of ICTs for human development.

This publication contains examples of good practice, including case studies from China, India, Malaysia, Nepal and Thailand, relating to initiatives to expand ICT infrastructure capacity to promote access to ICT for all rural and poor people within the countries of the Asia and Pacific region. These case studies include descriptions of appropriate technology, financial mechanisms, related ICT policies and the role of key stakeholders.

communities." --Book Jacket.