Emerging trends in information technology: Implications for developing countries

Abstract

This paper highlights the emerging trends in information technology and its implications for the developing countries. The changes occurring in information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) are so rapid and pervasive that they demand attention regarding competence building in many application areas. Technology fusion is facilitating many changes and is inducing the development of new IT products, processes and services. Institutional arrangements are needed for monitoring IT and IS changes at the global level if the developing countries are to take full advantage of the new developments. A national information management strategy should be formulated with a comprehensive competence building plan, keeping in view the positive and negative aspects of IT for the developing countries. The policy makers have to be made aware of the versatility of IT and IS applications specifically suited for the environments of the developing countries and their effects on flattening the organizational structures, thereby reducing many middle layers.