ICTs for Development: Whither Developing Countries? (Published)
ICTs have become a subject of great concern for developing countries if they are to achieve sustainable development. The rate of diffusion of scientific and technological innovation is determined by economic, social, cultural and political factors that are equally deep-rooted in developed and developing countries, but the obstacles encountered by developing countries in achieving scientific and technological progress are daunting. For developing countries, the crucial issue is not just scientific and technological innovation but also how to use it to improve the social and economic situation of their people for their health and welfare harmony with the environment. This article then critically looks at developing countries and the need to utilize ICTs in their developmental strives for socio-economic advancement. The article discusses the importance of ICTs in society, the nexus between ICTs and Telecommunications, use of ICTs for development, the challenges faced by developing countries in using these technologies, mitigating measures, the role of Governments in supporting ICTS and its implications for Aid Agencies
Keywords: Informatics, Information Technology, developing countries, informatics revolution, technological change, third world, under-developed countries