Information Society Watch

2001, Cynthia Hewitt de Alcántara, UNRISD

This paper argues that the digital divide is indicative of the deeper development divide that is characteristic of the present world. The author asserts that promoting development must involve shaping the structures of opportunities to further socio-economic progress, and not merely facilitating access to new devices. The article explores the complexities of ICTs and the importance of research for generating knowledge about how ICTs can be effectively used to meet the needs of low-income countries. On the policy level, it implies not just changes in the current pattern of financing for development at the international level, but also enhancement in the capacities of Third World countries to use modern technologies.

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