|
on Information and Communication Technologies |
| By: | Ruíz-Rúa, Aurora; Fernández-Bonilla, Fernando; Gijón, Covadonga |
| Abstract: | This paper presents the research on the last fourteen years household spending patterns on information and communication technology (ICT) and the associated use of digital services due to socioeconomic variables. We found that over the 14 years covered by the research, there is a gender gap in ICT spending that extends beyond the pandemic COVID-10 to the present day, as well as an income gap. Women spend less on ICT than men, although according to the most recent data, this difference is no longer significant. Furthermore, the expected income gap should not be ignored, as fewer resources invested in telecommunications means less ability to move up the labour market, and this may be another way of damaging the social ladder. |
| Keywords: | ICT, online literacy, consumers, survey data, econometric models, behavioral economics |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itse23:278016&r=ict |
| By: | Briglauer, Wolfgang; Krämer, Jan; Palan, Nicole |
| Abstract: | Ubiquitous high-speed fiber-based and mobile broadband availability is a key economic policy goal in the European Union and other developed countries. Policymakers seek to boost economic growth, productivity, and employment, especially in remote areas, through ambitious broadband targets and substantial public funding. This paper reviews the existing (empirical) literature on high-speed broadband internet and its socioeconomic impact on key outcome variables. Our main findings are that (i) the socioeconomic benefits in terms of economic growth, productivity, house prices, and education, as well as economic resilience, are high but are also subject to diminishing returns beyond a certain broadband quality level, (ii) the effects on employment are more ambiguous, (iii) the positive socioeconomic effects take hold only after broadband adoption on the demand side, but not with mere availability on the supply side, and (iv) the effects of broadband differ significantly for urban vs. rural and high-skilled vs. low-skilled workers. Based on these findings, we develop recommendations for a cost-effective and efficient broadband policy and future funding regime. |
| Keywords: | High-speed broadband, broadband availability, broadband adoption, fiber connections, mobile broadband, economic benefits, survey |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:ecoarp:24&r=ict |
| By: | Briglauer, Wolfgang; Cambini, Carlo; Gugler, Klaus |
| Abstract: | A broad-scale rollout and adoption of new high-speed broadband networks and services, respectively, is expected to generate innovative services for consumers and create a high potential for productivity increases and economic growth. However, there is no evidence available on the causal impact of both high-speed broadband coverage and adoption on economic outcomes, which we measure as gross domestic product (GDP). Moreover, no study has yet simultaneously considered the impact of both new wireline broadband based on fiber-optic technologies and new wireless (mobile) broadband based on 3G+/4G technologies. Distinguishing these effects is of crucial relevance for the efficient design of broadband policies. In order to provide reliable evidence on causal effects, we utilize comprehensive panel data for 32 OECD countries for the years 2002-2020 and panel fixed-effects estimators including instrumental variables estimation. Exclusionary restrictions follow from micro-funded determinants of network coverage and consumer adoption decisions. Our results show that both fixed and mobile broadband adoption exert a substantial and significant impact on GDP, while network deployment per se exhibits only minor multiplier-related effects on GDP per capita. Contemporaneous effects of a 1% increase in fixed broadband adoption impact GDP per capita growth in a range of 0.026% to 0.034%, while a 1% increase in mobile broadband adoption contributes between 0.079% and 0.088%. While the impact of contemporaneous mobile broadband adoption is substantially higher, fixed broadband adoption shows stronger dynamic and cumulative effects, as well as larger effects in later deployment periods. Generally, our results are consistent with the notion that the diffusion of technologies to substantial proportions of the population is most important in driving economic growth. Supporting policies should be technology neutral and should not neglect the demand side. |
| Keywords: | High-speed broadband, coverage, adoption, OECD panel, ex-post evaluation |
| JEL: | H54 L96 L98 O38 |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:ecoarp:23&r=ict |
| By: | Wigati, Tiya Ayu |
| Abstract: | This article explores the profound impact and diverse roles of information technology (IT) and business integration within educational institutions. It addresses critical issues related to administrative efficiency, data-driven decision making, pedagogical transformation, and the preparation of career-ready graduates. A systematic literature review methodology is employed to analyze a decade's worth of peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, and reports. The synthesis of the reviewed literature highlights how IT-business integration enhances educational institutions by promoting efficiency, innovation, global reach, financial sustainability, and ethical considerations. This study underscores the imperative for educational institutions to embrace IT-business integration to remain agile and effective in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. |
| Date: | 2023–10–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:txujd&r=ict |
| By: | Edward J. Oughton; David Amaglobeli; Marian Moszoro |
| Abstract: | Roughly 3 billion citizens remain offline, equating to approximately 40 percent of the global population. Therefore, providing Internet connectivity is an essential part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Goal 9). In this paper a high-resolution global model is developed to evaluate the necessary investment requirements to achieve affordable universal broadband. The results indicate that approximately $418 billion needs to be mobilized to connect all unconnected citizens globally (targeting 40-50 GB/Month per user with 95 percent reliability). The bulk of additional investment is for emerging market economies (73 percent) and low-income developing countries (24 percent). To our knowledge, the paper contributes the first high-resolution global assessment which quantifies universal broadband investment at the sub-national level to achieve SDG Goal 9. |
| Date: | 2023–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2310.03694&r=ict |
| By: | Alami Mohamed (Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Fes saiss, University Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdella - Department of Electrical Engineering - USMBA - Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah) |
| Abstract: | Today, the presence of information technology (IT) in Moroccan companies has accelerated with the evolution of the IT market and the growth of the digitalization of their environment. The adoption of IT has often given rise to a number of problems affecting its effective use, particularly in terms of performance management. Resistance to the use of IT is at the top of this list, and has become one of the most frequently cited variables in the literature on the subject. The aim of this study is, on the one hand, to contribute to the literature on the subject. On the other hand, to help IT managers understand user behaviour so that they can align their IT strategies with business processes. To do this, we opted for a qualitative approach, adopting a methodology based on multiple case studies and using semi-structured interviews as a data collection and analysis technique. The main results show that some users are resistant to IT. This resistance is mainly due to factors linked, on the one hand, to the IT department's failure to align IT strategies with business processes, and, on the other hand, to the malfunctioning of the IT solutions adopted and the lack of IT skills among some users. This situation is at the root of the lack of confidence in the performance management information produced by the IT solutions implemented. Keywords : Perception ; information technology ; performance management ; usage behaviour. |
| Abstract: | Aujourd'hui, la présence des technologies d'information (TI) dans les entreprises marocaines s'est accélérée avec l'évolution qu'a connue le marché informatique et la croissance des mouvements de digitalisation de leur environnement. Souvent, l'adoption des TI a soulevé différents problèmes impactant leur utilisation performante, notamment pour le pilotage de la performance. Entête de ces problèmes, vient la résistance envers l'utilisation des TI qui est devenue une des variables les plus mobilisées dans la littérature en la matière. L'objectif de la présente étude, d'un côté, est de contribuer à l'enrichissement de la littérature en la matière. De l'autre côté, d'aider les responsables des services TI à comprendre le comportement des utilisateurs pour qu'ils arrivent a bien aligné leurs stratégies TI sur les processus métiers. Pour cela, nous avons opté pour une approche qualitative en adoptant une méthodologie fondée sur les études de cas multiples en nous basant sur les entretiens semi-directifs en tant que technique de collecte et d'analyse des données. Les principaux résultats obtenus font apparaitre l'existence d'un comportement de résistance envers les TI chez une partie des utilisateurs. Cette résistance est due, principalement, aux facteurs liés, d'une part aux défauts d'alignement de la stratégie TI sur les processus métiers par le service-TI, et d'autre part aux dysfonctionnements des solutions-TI adoptées et au manque de compétences en informatique chez certains utilisateurs. Une telle situation est à l'origine du manque de confiance des informations de pilotage de la performance produites par les TI implémentées. Mots clés : Perception ; technologies d'information ; pilotage de la performance ; comportement envers l'utilisation. |
| Keywords: | Perception, information technology, performance management, usage behaviour, technologies d’information, pilotage de la performance, comportement envers l’utilisation |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04224226&r=ict |
| By: | Nico, Gianluigi; Azzarri, Carlo; Sufian, Farha D. |
| Abstract: | Rural Nigeria, with its diverse cultural and socio economic landscapes, presents unique challenges when it comes to digital inclusion. Traditional gender roles, limited educational opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, and sociocultural norms often combine to create barriers that disproportionately affect women’s access to digital technologies. As a result, women in rural areas face significant challenges in acquiring digital skills, accessing online information and services, and participating in digital platforms, thus perpetuating the gender gap and further marginalizing women from the benefits of the digital revolution. This policy note summarizes research designed to highlight the barriers female farmers in Nigeria face in accessing technology and information so that stakeholders can work together to ensure that Nigeria’s rural women are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in the digital age and contribute meaningfully to their communities. |
| Keywords: | NIGERIA; WEST AFRICA; AFRICA SOUTH OF SAHARA; AFRICA; women; technology; information needs; agricultural productivity; livelihoods; digital divide; women's empowerment; market access; gender |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:gcanpn:16&r=ict |
| By: | Nico, Gianluigi; Azzarri, Carlo; Sufian, Farha D. |
| Abstract: | Women farmers in Bangladesh face several challenges when it comes to accessing technology and information, and this limits their ability to improve their agricultural productivity and enhance their livelihoods. The gendered digital divide is a significant contributor to inequities in agriculture and has important implications for women’s empowerment. Lack of access to information affects their ability to make informed decisions, access markets, and secure their rights. This policy note summarizes research designed to identify the barriers female farmers in Bangladesh face in accessing technology and information so that future policies and initiatives can address these challenges and, in so doing, promote gender equality and the empowerment of rural women. |
| Keywords: | BANGLADESH; SOUTH ASIA; ASIA; women; technology; information needs; agricultural productivity; livelihoods; digital divide; women's empowerment; market access; gender |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:gcanpn:15&r=ict |
| By: | OECD |
| Abstract: | In the north-western corner of Germany, the Ems-Achse, a rural region, has witnessed a decade of economic growth. This growth has exacerbated labour shortages, primarily due to an aging population and the outmigration of youth. Acknowledging the potential of teleworking, regional stakeholders aim to explore its capacity to address labour gaps and attract a broader talent pool. This paper delves into three main dimensions for harnessing teleworking's potential: activating individuals who are not currently seeking employment, expanding the talent pool to include surrounding areas, and attracting workers from congested urban areas or overseas. To facilitate successful teleworking, the region can bolster its high-speed internet infrastructure, promote a culture of flexibility in management and nurture digital skills. Additionally, increasing opportunities for higher education, improving public transportation and enhancing international accessibility could help profile the Ems-Achse as an attractive hub for teleworkers. |
| Keywords: | Ems-Achse, Germany, labour shortage, local development, place-based policy, teleworking |
| JEL: | J68 O33 R11 R40 R58 R23 |
| Date: | 2023–10–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:cfeaaa:2023/18-en&r=ict |