Title: ICT and development: A new indicator for international comparisons

Authors: Isabel Alvarez, Gerardo Magana

Addresses: Instituto Complutense de Estudios Internacionales, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, 28223 Madrid, Spain. ' Instituto Complutense de Estudios Internacionales, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, 28223 Madrid, Spain

Abstract: The use and diffusion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can be seen as a mechanism for reducing the global divide. Two aspects are crucial: Counting on accurate time-series data and the definition of the components defining ICT indicators. We carry out a multiple imputation technique to estimate missing ICT data using the Expectation Maximisation approach. The resulting dataset (170 countries, from 1991 to 2003) allows us to propose a confident ICT index, based on national capabilities (NaCap Index). It attempts to capture countries| differences in educational and structural elements, determinant factors for positive impacts from the use of ICT.

Keywords: technology diffusion; technology adoption; digital divide; composite indicators; data imputation; international comparisons; ICT; information technology; communications; time-series data; national capabilities; education; structure.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTG.2008.018962

International Journal of Technology and Globalisation, 2008 Vol.4 No.2, pp.170 - 185

Published online: 26 Jun 2008 *

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