 ID: 128012
Added: 2008-07-17 8:13
Modified: 2009-07-29 13:35
Refreshed: 2010-03-13 15:26
|
|
| Social and Economic Development |
Evidence of ICTs’ potential to combat poverty and promote socio-economic growth in developing countries is largely anecdotal. In spite of numerous cases studies documenting the potential of ICTs to alleviate poverty and promote socio-economic growth in developing countries, there is very little economic research to understand the relationship between ICTs and poverty alleviation in Africa. There is a need to make the case for ICTs as tools of poverty reduction and socio-economic growth in a more rigorous and evidence-based fashion. Unfortunately, few economists on the continent have chosen to specialize in the field of the economics of ICTs. Most of the research to date has been carried out within other disciplines. Acacia has supported some preliminary work in this area but now plans to move ahead in supporting a network of economists who will focus on understanding the linkages between ICTs and socio-economic growth. Research questions include: - Of the broader changes (economic, social, political, institutional, etc.) required within a developing country context to foster sustained growth and poverty reduction, what role do ICTs play in effecting these changes?
- Is it possible to develop a framework for understanding ICTs and poverty alleviation that will inform research in the field across the continent?
- Where and which ICTs are making the most difference? And why?
- If ICTs do enable socio-economic growth, is it pro-poor growth?
- Is the ICT sector itself an important factor in stimulating growth? If so, what types of ICT enterprises are best to develop in Africa?
- Are there ICT opportunities and or innovations that can improve growth potential in poor communities?
- Do ICTs have an impact on pro-poor growth barriers such as human capacity, corruption, etc.?
- Where are Africa’s strengths in terms of ICT skills, infrastructure, competencies, etc., and what ICT industries can be developed?
- What role do ICTs play as enablers of the informal sector?
Projects:
|
|
