Differences in national information infrastructures: the reflection of national cultures

Abstract

This paper reports on the different paths seven countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Singapore and China) each took in forming a National Information Infrastructure (NII). While many factors play a role in the development of an NII, this paper examines the pervasive role national culture had in the policy decisions and formation of the various NIIs. The main lesson from observing these seven countries is that when a country is forming an NII it should look to similar countries, in terms of national culture, for guidance in the creation of an NII.