Information technology transfer: Indicators and issues

Abstract

Information technology (IT) stimulates social and economic change, which in turn spur technological development. The management of technological change is seen as pivotal in this era of new information technologies. The development and impact of IT in four countries—the USA, Japan, UK and India, are reflected via quantitative indicators: the IT (Development) Level Index and the IT Penetration Level Index, over the years of 1970–81. Gaps in their (nation's) relative information technology levels are exemplified via the potential technological distance parameter, D, which is also utilised in a model for information technology transfer so as to assess potential for transfer between countries. Some channels for technology transfer are given. A logistic curve for the rate of technological progress in IT shows the spectrum for introduction, growth and maturity of IT; a nation's IT Level Index value gives it a placing on the curve to show its stage of development. Some inferences of the trends for IT development and impact in the four countries are given. The uses of these Indices, and for whom, are also mentioned.