Social Development and ICT Adoption. Developing World Perspective

Abstract

The process of technology diffusion is complex, and one should bear in mind that multiple both qualitative and quantitative elements may be claimed as its essential determinants. Insofar, voluminous theoretical and empirical literature has been issued where attempts of identification of the latter has been made. However, we still lack adequate explanations for cross-country differences in new technology adoption; while the demonstrated evidence is scattered and to a great extend it lacks robustness. Many claim that the speed of ICT diffusion is heavily predetermined of country`s economic achievements; while – in this perspective, high-income economies should faster adopt and use new technologies if compared to economically backward countries.

This paper is designed to provide empirical evidence on the relationship between the process of ICT diffusion and social development across selected low-income and lower-middle-income countries during the period of 2000 and 2014. It main target it so identify whether in low-income and lower-middle-income economies, ICT development and social development (social empowerment) are correlated.

It combines five logically structured sections. Section 1 is the introduction, while Section 2 discusses literature review regarding ICT diffusion determinants. Next, Section 3 briefly presents data used in the research and explains methodological framework. Finally Section 4 demonstrates results of empirical analysis, and Section 5 concludes.

Keywords: ICT, Social Development, Developing Countries, New Technologies

JEL Classification: O33, O50, O1