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Digital Divide: An Econometric Study of the Determinants in Information-poor Countries

Author

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  • Tasneem Zafar

    (GC University, Lahore.)

  • Khalid Aftab

    (GC University, Lahore.)

Abstract

There can not be two opinions on the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for economic development. However, real disparities exist in access to and use of ICT across countries. The digital divide is a complicated matter of varying levels of access, basic usage, and applications of ICT among countries and peoples. Using the Gompertz Technology Diffusion model, this paper attempts to measure the contribution of factors such as affordability, knowledge, infrastructure, human capital, trade openness, and economic and social environment in the technology diffusion process, specially in the case of information-poor countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Tasneem Zafar & Khalid Aftab, 2007. "Digital Divide: An Econometric Study of the Determinants in Information-poor Countries," The Pakistan Development Review, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, vol. 46(1), pages 63-96.
    • Handle: RePEc:pid:journl:v:46:y:2007:i:1:p:63-96
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Waqas Shair & Abdul Waheed & Muhammad Mubasher Kamran & Neelam Kubra, 2022. "Digital Divide in Pakistan: Barriers to ICT Usage among the Individuals of Pakistan," Journal of Economic Impact, Science Impact Publishers, vol. 4(3), pages 196-204.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Digital Divide; Information and Communication Technologies; ICT; Gompertz Model; ICT Diffusion; Economic Development; ICT Infrastructure;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • L96 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Telecommunications

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