Information technology in developing countries: a study to guide policy formulation

This article discusses the information gap between industrialised and devel oping countries. In view of this gap, the Dutch Ministry of Development Go- operation decided to finance research aimed at formulating policy recommend ations on the removal of bottlenecks preventing of slowing down the growth of electronic information exchange in developing countries. From this resea rch it can be concluded that the major bottlenecks for the application of t elematics can be found in the field of technology and its use. The level of technology is influenced by such factors as regulation and infrastructure. The level of use is determined by the capacity of providers and the demand in the 'South'. However, also the economic and socio-cultural situation ha s a large impact on using telematics. To bridge the information technology gap, local governments, post and telecom organisations, user groups from in dustries and social institutes, international organisations and donor agenc ies should liaise in development activities and supporting projects. (C) 19 99 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.