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High-tech Leapfrog

Posted on February 13, 2008 by Brandon Gast
Topics: Technology and the Internet, Globalization, Economic Development

In last week's print edition of The Economist, it is suggested that lavatories must come before laptops in the leapfrogging of technologies. The article suggests that most new technologies need to follow a traditional path when diffusing into emerging markets. Basic infrastructure is still a primary concern in these countries and the introduction of high-tech products does not directly address the core issues. "Most of the time, to go high-tech, you need to have gone medium-tech first." Cell phones may prove to be the exception of a rapid technological advance in the developing world.

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Keywords: digital divide, cell phones

From the Archives

Countries Must Cross the Digital Divide

Posted on February 12, 2008
Previously filed under: Technology
Despite the digital divide, technology continues to play a vital role in helping countries develop.
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Keywords: technology, digital divide, computers

From the Archives

Reducing the Global Digital Divide in Sub-Saharan Africa

Posted on January 8, 2007
Previously filed under: Africa, Technology
Diego Rumiany of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs discusses possible policy actions to bridge the Global Digital Divide.
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Keywords: technology, internet, communication, development, digital divide

From the Archives

PCs For the Poor - As Good As Their Hype

Posted on August 18, 2006
Previously filed under: North America, Technology
Technologists are at odds over how to bridge the digital divide.
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Keywords: technology, digital divide, computer

From the Archives

The Dirt Road to the Information Superhighway

Posted on August 18, 2006
Previously filed under: Technology
Third world innovations may soon find their way into developed countries.
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Keywords: computer, technology, digital divide,

From the Archives

The Other Divide - Burning Laptops vs. Wiring the World

Posted on August 22, 2003
Previously filed under: Europe and Middle East, Technology
A new global task force with an ambitious mission to eliminate the "digital divide" is offering high-tech answers to the world's woes.
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Keywords: computers, technology, digital divide

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