Abstract
The major book findings are summarized, including that nations are distinctive in the structure of their internal digital divides and that the most important common correlates of ICT utilization at the state-level are urban location, economic prosperity, education, and infrastructure. Geographical patterns of ICT usage characterize nations and are analyzed. Government ICT policies that encompass internal digital divide issues are commonplace for nations yet need dynamic updating due to technological and societal changes. The trends towards hyperconnectivity and Big Data will alter digital divides as well as models to study them. A notable pilot project underway is the Google loon, which might bring high-speed broadband to the world’s disadvantaged people no matter how remote or neglected. In the developing world, high relative costing of broadband is dropping but still constitutes a major barrier. The case of Poland’s large advance towards cutting-edge ICT demonstrates tenacious commitment and the initiatives from a key leader. Beyond the scope of our quantitative model is the intangible influence and potential betterment from outstanding government leadership.
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Pick, J.B., Sarkar, A. (2015). The Future of the Digital Divide. In: The Global Digital Divides. Progress in IS. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-46602-5_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-46602-5_12
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