Information Technology and Development: Moving Away From A Magical Vision

Abstract

The paper critically examines the role that information technology can play in catalysing economic activity, in administrative reforms and in developing human resources. Learning from the experience of India and several other developing countries which have made special efforts to step up IT investments, the paper attempts to define a perspective with which developing countries can plan investments in IT and its successful integration with the development process. It counters the view of technology enthusiasts who believe that information technology can assist in every aspect of development and that it is the panacea for developing countries.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Subhash Bhatnagar

Professor Subhash Bhatnagar holds the CMC Chair Professorship at the Indian Institute of Mangement, Ahmedabad. He is coordinating the establishment of a telecom policy study centre at IIMA which is sponsored by CIDA. Prof Bhatnagar has been with IIMA for the last 25 years where he has also served as a Dean. He edits an IFIP WG9.4 Newsletter on Information Technology in Developing Countries. He is a Fellow of the Computer Society of India.