The Institutional Divide: Is The Digital Divide a Symptom or a Cause?

The Institutional Divide: Is The Digital Divide a Symptom or a Cause?

The “good” institutions that underlie the historical development of rich countries have evolved over centuries. That evolution has involved a host of ICT innovations and their dissemination. But, while ICT has made their evolution possible, so too have many other factors. The transfer of modern ICT from developed to developing countries will not magically transform the institutions of poor nations – though judicious ICT transfer may speed the process of institutional development. On the other hand, the development of strong institutions will contribute to economic development, and thus increase demand for ICT in the developing nations. Strong institutions will be expected to utilize their expanding ICT infrastructure well. The Digital Divide is probably more a symptom than a cause of the “Institutional Divide.”