Publication Date: 2023/06/06
Abstract: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have become an essential tool for sustainable development The use of ICTs in various sectors of the economy has brought about significant improvements in the quality of life, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. This paper proposes that using ICTs to drive sustainable development offers more benefits than negative consequences although acknowledging that like all successful projects, proper and efficient utilization of methods are important to success. Therefore, when advancing sustainable development, ICTs must be regarded as a tool used appropriately to achieve desirable outcomes. This paper presents a socio-economic perspective, subjective to developing economies realities, to this discourse. The paper discusses various views and conceptual frameworks put forward in the discussion of roles of ICTs in sustainable development. An optimistic and a pessimistic view of ICT with regard to sustainability, the three-pillar approach to sustainable development, the three-level approach to ICT impacts, the claim of human, social and ecological compatibility of ICT and the plain use of ICT for development. The paper shows that each of these approaches has its problems and limitations and conclude with formulating the challenges of finding an analytical approach which will effectively support decision-makers in using ICT in the service of sustainable development. In doing this, this paper examines the role of ICTs in sustainable development, the benefits and challenges of using ICTs, and the policy implications for developing countries.
Keywords: ICTs; Sustainable Development; Emerging Economies;
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8008472
PDF: https://ijirst.demo4.arinfotech.co/assets/upload/files/IJISRT23MAY1852.pdf
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