Development and the Information Age Four Global Scenarios for the Future of Information and Communication Technology

This book dares to think the unthinkable and ask the unaskable.In June 1996, experts from around the world gathered to consider the Information Revolution and its effect on the Third World. This panel was asked to consider the following question: Can advancing technologies help balance the scales of development between the "industrialized" and "developing" countries of the world?Development and the Information Age is the answer to that question. The four scenarios presented here, The March of Follies, Cargo Cult, Netblocs, and Networld all present distinct futures with different measures of cooperation, protectionism, and preparedness. They provide a stark and realistic view of the relationship between the new information and communication technologies and the goal of sustainable and equitable development. This is a penetrating glimpse into the future of the information age.Valantin, Robert L. is the author of 'Development and the Information Age Four Global Scenarios for the Future of Information and Communication Technology' with ISBN 9780889368354 and ISBN 088936835X.