Developing a national information policy—considerations for developing countries

Abstract

Information and information technology developments are influencing the economies of many countries. Information needs to be made available and accessible in countries for industrial, educational and governmental purposes. Information is also an asset of unpredictable value. For these reasons, governments should acknowledge and value the relevance of such information, and therefore address it through national policies. Many countries have developed national information policies which reflect the values that governments attach to the access to and the availability of information in their countries. The most important influences on the development of a national information policy are based on the country's socio-political circumstances. Developing countries are advised to focus attention in their national information policies on aspects concerning socio-economic development, the application of information and access to information.