Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy: A Quantitative Assessment for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Four critical factors have been evaluated for their ranked importance and general effects on sustainable development. However, the main purpose of this paper is to quantitatively assess the criticality of ICT policy, and how related attributes affect sustainable development. One main hypothesis about the ICT policy has been tested, and the effects of the related variables and their interactions have been assessed. This research is carried out using surveys and interviews among a sustainable development community. It has been found that ICT policy is critical for leveraging knowledge for sustainable development. However, ICT policy ranked the least important compared to the other three factors. For ICT policy to be successful in leveraging knowledge, it must be tailored to both organisation and national-specific Knowledge Management (KM) strategies. It has been found that there are no coherent frameworks for participation of community and other organisations in the international development community surveyed. The communication of indigenous knowledge into formal work, the inclusion of local content and languages, the lack of trust between organisations and the conformity with policies are found to be common problems in a international development community. Progress towards sustainable development requires a rigorous ICT policy, combined with strict regulations, to encourage Integrated Information and Communication Technologies Infrastructure (IICTI) investment, acquisition and usage. This paper attempts to evaluate ICT policy on the mobilisation of knowledge for sustainable development purposes. It will be valuable for sustainable development decision makers to consider these findings as guidance for issues related to ICT planning and KM activities.