Impact of research or research on impact: More than a matter of semantics and sequence

Abstract

The rich data and analysis contained in this volume permit a number of lessons to be drawn, some of which resolve the questions identified by the authors and others which may inspire new inquiries. Looking at the variety of topics, disciplines and areas of research, a palpable conclusion is that ICT now pervades the lives of people throughout the world. This is unsurprising since ICTs are general purpose technologies, widely adopted, used and adapted by people of all ages worldwide and who are from different socioeconomic backgrounds. By focusing on the global south, however, one outstanding characteristic of the research relates to the different pace of use and appropriation within these countries. This is apparent in both the theoretical chapters and the evidence gathered from the empirical ones. Whatever the pace, it is apparent that ICT is having an impact on most economic sectors and social processes. This impact may be positive or negative and is not independent of the context into which ICT is inserted or the existing socioeconomic dynamics of that context.