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

First Major Utility Company Invests in Solar Energy

OneWorld Daily Headlines - Tue, 08/19/2008 - 10:28
For the first time, a big, American utility company is investing in large-scale solar energy. Pacific Gas & Electric has decided that solar is part of the answer for California's energy needs.

Cairo Tries to Get Ancient, Rattling Cabs Off the Streets

International Herald Tribune - Wed, 08/20/2008 - 04:21
In Seoul, the Hyundai Pony is a museum exhibit. In Egypt, the decades-old car can still be used as a taxi, so long as it doesn't fall into a canal.

In Israel, Kosher Extends Beyond the Kitchen

Christian Science Monitor - Tue, 08/19/2008 - 23:00
A kosher 'social seal' on nearly one-third of Jerusalem restaurants conveys ethical, not just dietary, standards.

In Vietnam, Even the Dead Feel the Pinch of Inflation

International Herald Tribune - Wed, 08/20/2008 - 06:15
Vietnam is suffering its first serious economic downturn since it moved from a command economy to an open market nearly two decades ago.

Mobilizing Against Hunger in Haiti

OneWorld Daily Headlines - Mon, 08/18/2008 - 13:37
In notoriously hunger-stricken Haiti, a grassroots movement is revitalizing deforested land, conserving rainwater, and leading discussions on the root causes of the ongoing food crisis.

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