Shahram Amiri

The e-volution of the i-society in the delivery of e-government

Synopsis This paper concerns some of the challenges facing Australian Government service delivery as the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) becomes increasingly apparent and it challenges both the form and the function of existing service structures. The paper is set within a ‘world view’ that recognizes the emergence of a civil society sector1 within the global information society. The paper assumes that there is an acceptance that: • Australia has little alternative but to rapidly embrace electronically enabled services as a means of improving productivity, lifestyle and social cohesion and maintaining global competitiveness; and. • As well as being able to increase efficiency, effectiveness and productivity the use of ICT is a social process requiring new approaches by government as well as by the private and civil society sectors. THE E-VOLUTION OF THE I-SOCIETY IN THE BUSINESS OF E-GOVERNMENT

Emerging markets: the impact of ICT on the economy and society

Purpose The purpose of this research is to quantifiably measure the relationship between technological advancement, economic growth and societal employment trends across the Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) countries, while also describing various government initiatives and policy steps taken to promote technology development. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines the relationship between the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development Index (IDI), gross domestic product (GDP) and unemployment data. The paper also reviews the broadband and e-readiness components of each BRIC nation to further describe the policies in adoption of ICT. Findings This research concludes that there is in fact a significant positive correlation between technology (as measured by IDI) and economy (as measured by a nation’s GDP) and there is a significant negative correlation between technology (as measured by IDI) and a nation’s unemployment rate benefiting the society. Originality/value This research seeks to describe the impact of Information Communication Technology on economic and society indices in BRIC. Paper contributions include an empirical measurement and relationship between technological advancement, economic growth and employment trends across the BRIC countries, while also describing various government policy initiatives taken to promote technology.

Rethinking Social and Economic Development: Promoting Digital Literacy

Today’s digital divide that separates the “haves” and the “have nots” is attributed in part to geography, race, income, employment, age, gender, and education. Not only do some segments of the population remain unconnected, but these sectors also have no desire to connect. Thus, the connected portions of the world must create an urge and necessity to connect so that even the most remote location can access the same information as countries with technological enrichment. The first step towards worldwide connectivity involves worldwide understanding, achieved through information literacy, therefore allowing each person to become an independent, self-sufficient user. These characteristics lead to a better education, where the user can reap the benefits of schooling and life experience because of information literacy skills. The most important reward is an overall improved life where the Internet no longer separates people, but instead brings them together for work, communication, and leisure. These goals can only be accomplished through a collaborative effort involving both those connected, and those not connected. Without cooperation from both sides, the digital divide will continue existing.