Implications of the ICT Revolution

Abstract

This chapter explores some of the ways ICT is likely to impact social and economic development and points to the strategic significance of ICT for enabling national development and poverty reduction strategies. ICT offers many promises and opportunities, even while posing serious risks and uncertainties. Its impact is likely to be pervasive. Countries must fashion their own responses. Ad hoc or passive postures are likely to lead to increasing digital and economic divides, marginalization of poor, and increasingly costly and burdensome government that erodes economic competiveness.