Title: Strategic niche management of intelligent transport systems deployment and development in developing countries

Authors: S. Akhtar Ali Shah, N.P. Mahalik, Ahn Byung Ha

Addresses: Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Peshawar, Pakistan. ' Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Department of Mechatronics, 1-Oryong Dong, Buk Gu, Gwangju 500-712, Republic of Korea. ' Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Department of Mechatronics, 1-Oryong Dong, Buk Gu, Gwangju 500-712, Republic of Korea

Abstract: Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) have been used in industrialised countries for almost two decades and have positively contributed in enhancing safety, mitigating congestion, reducing transportation cost and preserving environmental quality. However, a significant number of professionals, policy-makers and practioners have been lobbying against the adoption of this technology-based solution in the developing world. Why the modern technology in the developing world is so unwanted? And what can be done to create a genuine demand for the technology option considering all socio-economic, institutional and instrumental constraints? The study is an overview of ITS deployment and development process in transitional and developing countries from a perspective ranging from the question of compatibility, vis-a-vis cost, technological sophistication and institutional prerequisites to expose overall effectiveness. It suggests a mechanism to create, extend and mange |the niche| of ITS in the developing world for the sustainable societal embedment of the 21st century|s technology.

Keywords: ITS; intelligent transport systems; developing countries; technology management; strategic management; niche management.

DOI: 10.1504/WRITR.2009.023308

World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research, 2009 Vol.2 No.2/3, pp.218 - 233

Published online: 18 Feb 2009 *

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