digital divide

High-tech Leapfrog

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.

From the Archives

Countries Must Cross the Digital Divide

Previously filed under: Technology
Despite the digital divide, technology continues to play a vital role in helping countries develop.

From the Archives

Reducing the Global Digital Divide in Sub-Saharan Africa

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.

From the Archives

PCs For the Poor - As Good As Their Hype

Previously filed under: North America, Technology
Technologists are at odds over how to bridge the digital divide.

From the Archives

The Dirt Road to the Information Superhighway

Previously filed under: Technology
Third world innovations may soon find their way into developed countries.

From the Archives

The Other Divide - Burning Laptops vs. Wiring the World

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.

Breaking News

Surplus Rice in Japan 'Could End Rice Crisis'

OneWorld Daily Headlines - Fri, 05/16/2008 - 05:44
Selling excess rice held in Japan and imported from the United States would incite a rapid drop in the global price of rice but requires immediate action from Tokyo and Washington, write former editor of The Rice Trader, Tom Slayton, and policy analyst, Peter Timmer.

Half in Ten

OneWorld Daily Headlines - Fri, 05/16/2008 - 05:44
Four prominent American social justice groups are launching a campaign to halve poverty in the United States in 10 years.

Myanmar Farmers May Miss Harvest

New York Times - Thu, 05/15/2008 - 21:34
The timing of Cyclone Nargis, which disrupted farmers as they were preparing to plant, could not have been worse.

In Departure, China Invites Outside Help

New York Times - Fri, 05/16/2008 - 02:59
China sought experts and equipment from Japan and Taiwan as President Hu Jintao visited the area affected by the earthquake.

The Caucus: Edwards to Endorse Obama

New York Times - Wed, 05/14/2008 - 15:38
The Obama campaign is hoping that John Edwards’s endorsement will be taken as the start of a coalescence around Mr. Obama as the nominee.

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