Abstract
This chapter discusses a new theoretical framework, the Cyber Capability Framework, to broaden discussions on ICT for development projects in developing countries from simple growth and access through information infrastructure to an understanding of the complexities involved in the social developments of ordinary citizens. The six dimensions of the Framework, namely, information, technology, process, vision, skills, and management dimension, help in locating the ICT for development projects within the political, economic, and social contexts in particular developing countries.
TopIct For Development: The Debate
An overriding implication of the paradox between progress of technology and progress of society is a difficult problem facing humanity today and is fundamentally different in nature from those a century ago. Providing sufficient supply of basic commodities for the population was the major challenge of human existence in the nineteenth century. But by the end of the twentieth century, the problem of production has been superseded by the challenge of global distribution. Today, this transition from augmenting growth to the challenge of distributing is crucial in all ICT for development projects. The new variable at the heart of this transition is humanity itself, and more specifically, the relationship between humanity and progress of technology. In the industrialized world, the crucial goal of technology has been to reduce the role of humans in the production process. That solves productivity problems but how to integrate that productivity equitably into society becomes increasingly conspicuous. The challenges of integrating humans in ICT for development projects can never be solved merely by expanding breadth of knowledge or by increasing the machines of growth.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Cyber Capability Framework: It is a qualitative framework that helps in assessing whether cyber capabilities of individuals have been enhanced with the application of certain e-Governance initiatives.
E-Governance: Electronic Governance is the application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for delivering government services through integration of various stand-alone systems between Government-to-Citizens (G2C), Government-to-Business (G2B), and Government-to-Government(G2G) services. It is often linked with back office processes and interactions within the entire government framework. Through e-Governance, the government services are made available to the citizens in a convenient, efficient, and transparent manner.
Developing Countries: These are the nations that have low living standards, undeveloped industrial base, and low Human Development Index (HDI).
Digital Divide: It refers to any inequalities between groups or countries measured in terms of access to, use of, or knowledge of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Digital divide inside any country refers to inequalities mainly among individuals and households. Some researchers suggest that digital divide is not only about gap in access and connectivity to ICTs only but extends into political and cultural realm of any society.
ICT for Development: It deals with the application of Information and communication technologies for social development. The idea is based on the hypothesis that effective information and communication technologies help in improving the human development characteristics like income, education, health, and security particularly in developing countries.
Internet Kiosks: These are centers with computer terminals with special hardware and software designed to offer public services to the people. These centers offer shared access to telecommunication facilities like phone, fax, and e-mail. In many developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America large sections of the population do not have universal access to telecommunications. The Internet kiosks become quite effective in offering better tele-density in developing countries.
Public Service Delivery: It is the mechanism through which public services are delivered to the public by local, municipal, or federal governments. Sewage and trash disposal, street cleaning, public education, and health services are some of the examples of public services.