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Digital Divide: Determinants and Policies with Special Reference to Asia

Author

Listed:
  • Quibria, M. G.

    (Asian Development Bank)

  • Ahmed, Shamsun N.

    (University of Dhaka)

  • Tschang, Ted

    (Singapore Management University)

  • Reyes-Macasaquit, Mari-Len

    (Philippine Institute of Development Studies)

Abstract

Access to new information and communication technologies (ICT) remains extremely unequally distributed across and within societies. While there have been a good deal of popular discussions about this "digital divide," not much is known about the quantitative significance of its various determinants. By undertaking a set of cross-country regressions, the paper finds that income, education, and infrastructure play a critical role in shaping the divide. Based on this analysis, the paper also offers some policy suggestions as to how to promote wider diffusion of ICT in poorer societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Quibria, M. G. & Ahmed, Shamsun N. & Tschang, Ted & Reyes-Macasaquit, Mari-Len, 2002. "Digital Divide: Determinants and Policies with Special Reference to Asia," ADB Economics Working Paper Series 27, Asian Development Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:adbewp:0027
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Pohjola, Matti, "undated". "Information Technology and Economic Growth: A Cross-Country Analysis," WIDER Working Papers 295500, United Nations University, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    2. Timothy F. Bresnahan & Erik Brynjolfsson & Lorin M. Hitt, 2002. "Information Technology, Workplace Organization, and the Demand for Skilled Labor: Firm-Level Evidence," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 117(1), pages 339-376.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    digital divide; education; information and communication technologies; infrastructure; income;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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