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Factors affecting the sustainability of telecentres in developing countries

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  • Thai, Do Manh
  • Duong, Dang
  • Falch, Morten
  • Xuan, Chung Bui
  • Thu, Tran Thi Anh

Abstract

Due to rapid technological changes, governments in developing countries have paid special attention to sustainability. However, understanding insights into the sustainability of telecentres remains an open question. This paper aims to fill this gap. We conducted a case study in Vietnam by using both qualitative and quantitative data. We used the Kumar and Best's (2006) model as our theoretical lens to analyse the sustainability of telecentres in Vietnam. The paper finds that telecentres have shifted their concept to provide a wide range of services, both online and offline. The paper indicates that technological, political, and social sustainability are important for the sustainability of telecentres. The paper recommends that we should take the role of state-owned enterprises and the digital transformation into consideration to sustain telecentres. Furthermore, the paper indicates the mutual relation between political and technical sustainability with social sustainability that has not been yet unveiled in the prior literature.

Suggested Citation

  • Thai, Do Manh & Duong, Dang & Falch, Morten & Xuan, Chung Bui & Thu, Tran Thi Anh, 2022. "Factors affecting the sustainability of telecentres in developing countries," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(3).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:telpol:v:46:y:2022:i:3:s0308596121001695
    DOI: 10.1016/j.telpol.2021.102265
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Thai, Do Manh & Falch, Morten, 2018. "Universal service in Vietnam: An institutional approach," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 42(4), pages 323-332.
    4. Michael L. Best & Rajendra Kumar, 2008. "Sustainability Failures of Rural Telecenters: Challenges from the Sustainable Access in Rural India (SARI) Project," Information Technologies and International Development, MIT Press, vol. 4(4), pages 31-45, October/J.
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    6. Liu, Chun, 2016. "Sustainability of rural informatization programs in developing countries: A case study of China׳s Sichuan province," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 40(7), pages 714-724.
    7. Ted Tschang & Mathurot Chuladul & Thuy Thu Le, 2002. "Scaling-up information services for development: a framework of increasing returns for telecentres," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 14(1), pages 129-141.
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