Technology adoption and the role of government: examining the national information and communication technology policies in developing countries

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  • March 21, 2019
Creator
  • Maynard, Nicholas C.
    • Affiliation: College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Public Policy
Abstract
  • With this dissertation, I seek to provide an in-depth understanding of the role developing country governments can play in accelerating ICT adoption. By analyzing the institutional, technology, and market factors, this study seeks to provide a solid foundation for examining the design and implementation of successful ICT strategies. This research uses a combination of empirical and case study evidence to highlight the key challenges of reforming ICT policies and institutions within developing countries. Further, this study clarifies the role of national governments in sponsoring and promoting ICT access and usage. Currently, there is a growing disparity between those developing countries that have successfully integrated ICTs into their economies and those that have not. Many developing countries have created national ICT policies and institutions to bolster technological deployment with the goal of supporting productivity gains and new business development. However, for many countries, these initiatives have not translated to higher levels of ICT adoption or improved economic development. This has left developing country governments with a great deal of uncertainty over what policies to implement and which initiatives to fund. The case study analysis within this study has identified several key barriers to accelerating ICT adoption within developing countries. These barriers include a lack of affordable services, low levels of local expertise, and poor infrastructure, which combine to prevent latecomer countries from developing self-sustaining demand within the sector. This study’s results suggest that the critical determinant for overcoming these barriers is a high level of government involvement after ICT market privatization. Those developing countries with accelerated growth in their ICT sectors tend to have institutions capable of adapting their policies and institutions to the rapid pace technological and market evolution. This is also confirmed by my empirical research, which showed a positive and significant relationship between ICT institutions and levels of ICT adoption, while controlling for economic and social factors. In contrast, those developing country governments without an active role in regulating ICT competition or supporting ICT adoption and innovation have been unable to sustain rapid growth of their sector.
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  • In Copyright
Advisor
  • Luger, Michael I.
Degree granting institution
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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  • Open access
Date uploaded
  • October 19, 2010

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