In recent decades, the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector has become one of the most dynamically developing segments of the world economy, maintaining its reputation as a dynamic, continuous and prone to cardinal changes. A significant expansion of international trade in products is becoming an important trend of the world economy as a whole. Given that the state policy of Georgia in the field of information and communication technologies is being formed at a qualitatively new economic, political and social level, in the conditions of scientific and technological changes, our state has every chance to occupy high positions in the ratings of countries-leaders of the world innovation system. However, as a result of market transformations, special features of development have been formed in Georgia, which differ from both the old Soviet system and the new system borrowed from Western countries. This was expressed in the deterioration of individual indicators, for example, those that characterize the outflow of highly qualified specialists. In addition, active integration into globalization processes requires Georgia to have its own advanced technologies as an important factor in ensuring advantages in the competitive struggle. The offer of local modern technologies to the world market determines not only the dynamics of world trade, but also the level of development of the state itself. As a result, in order to solve the task set, namely, to organize the production of high-tech products for further import substitution and future entry into the world market, it is necessary to determine Georgia's promising directions and competitive advantages by identifying the peculiarities of the local information and communication technology market. Thus, information and communication technologies as a whole contribute to the implementation of coordination and commercial operations, which allows for the effective use of the advantages provided by the new information and communication environment. Information and communication technologies have become a key factor in the modernization of traditional economies, including the management methods of companies and non-profit organizations. Keywords: Information and communication technologies, Internet, development, information services market.

The digital transformation of universities is a strategic choice to deepen educational and teaching reforms and strengthen talent cultivation. Leveraging the information and communication technology (ICT) strengths of Xidian University and the theoretical and practical achievements of educational informatization, we explored and practised methods for digital transformation to drive profound reforms in higher education. First, with the ideas of “data-driven, AI-empowered” as the core, we addressed systemic issues in educational and teaching reforms by establishing the intelligent education brain and the “intelligent teaching platform.” This facilitated data-driven process of reengineering, forming the five-duals nurturing model or Xidian model, harnesses digital transformation to drive educational reforms. Second, in response to the precise and personalized demands of talent cultivation, we constructed a resource provision model and a cobuilt sharing system based on human–technology collaboration. This generated a precise and personalized teaching model that was comprehensive and data-driven. Finally, to address the major formative issues in educational and teaching assessment, we built a data-driven evaluation system for the entire process. We have persistently pursued the integration of ICT with education and teaching, upholding the human–technology collaboration model for talent cultivation and development. Our approach has reshaped a first-class undergraduate education system in the era of the digital economy, establishing a benchmark university for “artificial intelligence + education” and creating a comprehensive solution that is replicable and adaptable.

Contribution of echocardiographic tele-expertise to the management of congenital heart diseases : Experience from Burkina Faso

This study examines how technological innovation has shaped economic growth and financial sector performance in South Africa between 1999 and 2023. While many studies treat innovation and finance as separate areas, this research brings them together in a country-specific context. Financial sector performance is measured through domestic credit to the private sector (DCPS), with exchange rate (EXR), broad money supply (M3), inflation (INF), gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), and information and communication technology (ICT) service exports as the main explanatory variables. Time series techniques. including unit root and cointegration tests, the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), variance decomposition, and Generalised Impulse Response Functions (GIRF) are applied to capture both short- and long-run relationships. In the short run, exchange-rate depreciation, rising inflation, and ICT service exports reduce DCPS, while M3 and GFCF show no significant impact. In the long run, however, ICT service exports emerge as a positive driver, highlighting the role of digital innovation in deepening credit markets. The error-correction results show a slow but steady adjustment toward equilibrium, pointing to structural challenges within the financial system. The study used quarterly data sourced from different databases with differing measurement frequencies, the data was therefore turned into logs during analysis stage to make it more unified for ease of analysis and application. Overall, the findings indicate that technological innovation is an important but uneven driver of South Africa’s growth. Policy efforts should link innovation to credit access, design public investment to support rather than crowd out private borrowing and better align digital and financial sector strategies.

<p><em>The implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum integrated with technology plays a strategic role in creating interactive, adaptive, and relevant learning experiences in line with the demands of the digital age and national education goals. However, empirical research on the application of the Merdeka Curriculum based on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in eastern Indonesia is still limited, especially in public elementary schools such as SD Inpres Dok VIII Atas, Jayapura City, Papua Province. This study aims to examine and provide an overview of the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum that integrates ICT in learning at the elementary school level. The method used is qualitative with a descriptive approach through literature study, observation, and interviews with teachers and students. The results of the study show that ICT integration plays an important role in the implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening (P5) project, especially in increasing student engagement, strengthening character, and preparing them to face global challenges and digital disruption. The use of technology also supports efficient classroom management and the application of differentiated learning. However, the effectiveness of implementation is greatly influenced by school leadership support, the availability of ongoing teacher training, and access to devices and the internet. This study recommends strengthening teachers' digital capacity, equalizing ICT infrastructure, and forming learning communities.</em></p><p> </p><p><strong>Keywords:</strong> <em>Merdeka Curriculum, Information, and Communication Technology, Primary School.</em><em></em></p>

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly recognized as valuable tools for enhancing the well-being of nursing home residents. However, residents’ perspectives on ICT usage and its implementation in rural nursing homes remain underexplored. This study investigated the role of ICT in promoting well-being from the viewpoint of residents in rural long-term care settings. A qualitative research approach was employed, using semistructured interviews with 16 residents from nursing homes in southern Illinois, USA. Thematic analysis generated five key themes: ICT as a bridge to the outside world, ICT as mental and emotional support, ICT’s role in enhancing independence and self-sufficiency, Technology remains out of reach, and ICT support and assistance. The findings highlight the significant advantages of ICT use, particularly in improving mood, reducing isolation, and alleviating symptoms of depression. Despite these benefits, ongoing barriers, such as limited resources, financial constraints, and insufficient institutional support, continue to impede effective ICT integration. These challenges underscore the need for increased investment in digital literacy programs, reliable internet access, and affordable technology solutions to maximize the benefits of ICT in rural long-term care settings.

The development of information and communication technology (ICT) is an important demand in the world of education, especially at the Vocational High School (SMK) level which prepares students to enter the digital-based world of work. However, students in class X of SMKS Efata still show delays in mastering ICT which has an impact on the learning process and their competency readiness. This study aims to analyze the factors that cause students to delay in mastering ICT as well as identify strategic steps to improve their skills. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive approach with data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study show that the limitations of technology facilities, the lack of experience of students using computer devices before entering vocational schools, and the low intensity of ICT learning practices are the dominant factors that affect the delay in mastering technology. In addition, the difference in students' backgrounds in digital literacy and the lack of assistance during the learning process also slow down the development of their abilities. Nevertheless, students have good motivation to learn and adapt to technology if they are given the support of the right learning facilities and strategies. The conclusion of this study emphasizes that improving facilities, strengthening practice-based learning methods, and intensive mentoring are needed to accelerate students' ICT mastery. This research is expected to be the basis for schools in formulating ICT learning policies that are more effective and in accordance with the needs of technological developments.

Prior research on the relationship between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use and job satisfaction has shown inconsistencies. This warrants retesting the relationship with larger, more representative multinational samples, and considering potential moderating factors, such as national culture. Using data from two multinational surveys (28 countries/regions and 32 countries/regions, respectively), we examine the relationship between ICT use and job satisfaction in a cross-cultural context, focusing on the role of cultural egalitarianism in this relationship. Results from multilevel analyses show a positive association between ICT use and job satisfaction. This association was moderated by the level of cultural egalitarianism: in more egalitarian cultures, the link between ICT use and job satisfaction is weaker. We conjecture that this pattern is due to the inherent satisfaction provided by the egalitarian culture itself, thereby reducing the perceived contribution of ICT use to job satisfaction. These findings hold significant implications for organizations and policymakers, particularly in an increasingly globalized and digitized work environment. This study emphasizes the importance of considering local cultural contexts in ICT strategy implementation and of cultivating an egalitarian culture to enhance job satisfaction.

Abstract This study examines the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on students’ travel and social behaviors in three European cities: Lisbon, Granada, and Zagreb. Drawing on a sample of 2,455 university students, the research examines the interplay between ICT usage (ICTU), social network size (SNS), perceived usefulness (PU) of ICT, patterns of interaction behavior (IB) (both online and face-to-face), and overall satisfaction (SA) with social relationships. The study employs structural equation modelling to capture both direct and indirect relationships among these factors, and incorporates a MIMIC approach to account for socio-demographic and contextual heterogeneity. The results show that ICT usage has mostly indirect effects on perceived usefulness, interaction behavior, and satisfaction, operating through social network size and interaction behavior. Social network size acts as a key mediator, linking ICT use to other variables, and is also the strongest predictor of interaction behavior. Similarly, perceived usefulness and traditional social networks emerge as the most influential factors shaping satisfaction. The findings confirm that online interactions tend to reinforce, rather than replace, face-to-face contact. Furthermore, a larger traditional network is associated with a larger online network, though not vice versa. Overall, the study highlights the complex, mediated pathways through which ICT use shapes young people’s social engagement and satisfaction, offering valuable insights for transport researchers and policymakers seeking to understand evolving mobility patterns.

Information and communication technology (ICT) and agricultural sector productivity: empirical evidence from Somalia

The rapid advancement of information and communication technology (ICT) solutions has significantly changed the landscape of secure communication systems, especially in scenarios involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and real-time data exchange. SecuDroneComm, a hybrid platform created for secure, low-latency communication between drones and command centers, represents an innovative management approach to tackling issues related to data security, latency, and scalability. This paper provides a thorough comparative analysis of SecuDroneComm alongside leading ICT platforms, including ITU-T X.805 frameworks, SmartNet architecture for energy systems, and federated global identity frameworks for mobile and wireless communications. By exploring these systems, we pinpoint essential design principles and innovations that have influenced secure management communication platforms, with a focus on encryption, data integrity, server architecture, and hybrid deployment strategies. The findings highlight the platform's flexibility in managing critical situations like battlefield intelligence, disaster response, and public health monitoring. Additionally, the analysis investigates possible improvements, such as the integration of 5G technologies, blockchain for data validation, and enhanced access control systems. SecuDroneComm’s cutting-edge architecture, which merges security with real-time responsiveness, provides notable benefits compared to both traditional and modern platforms, meeting the changing demands.

This study investigates employer perceptions of the employability of graduates from Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) program, which was introduced in 2017 to promote access, equity, and inclusion in secondary education. Although enrollment has increased, persistent concerns remain regarding teaching quality and graduate preparedness. Drawing on the Skills Mismatch Theory, the research assesses whether Free SHS graduates possess the skills and attitudes that employers require. A qualitative methodology was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 30 employers across six regions in Ghana, and data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Findings indicate that while graduates demonstrate basic skills such as literacy, numeracy, and information and communication technology (ICT), they lack essential employability attributes, including critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and discipline. Employers reported a significant skills gap and insufficient practical experience, underscoring a misalignment between educational outcomes and labor market demands. Nevertheless, employers expressed willingness to hire graduates if provided with structured internships, mentorship, and vocational training. The study concludes that the existing skills mismatch impedes employability and calls for urgent curriculum reforms, including the integration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the development of soft skills, and enhanced collaboration between industry and educational institutions. This research contributes to the discourse on aligning education with employment in developing economies and offers policy recommendations to strengthen Ghana’s Free SHS program. It advocates a transition from theory-based to experiential, competency-based, and job-oriented learning to improve employability and support national productivity.

Energy consumption is a key driver of economic and social development, particularly in rapidly expanding sectors such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This study explores the energy demand of Quito’s ICT sector across technical, organizational, economic, social, and environmental dimensions, aiming to inform sustainable urban strategies. A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses. Data was collected via questionnaires from 398 ICT companies and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate techniques, including the Gower similarity coefficient, Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA), and biplots. The VENSIM PLE x64 version 9.1.1 was used to model energy consumption dynamics. Results indicate that most ICT firms are micro and small enterprises focused on software development and e-commerce, employing highly skilled personnel. Energy use is concentrated in computing and printing equipment, with limited reliance on climate control systems. While 93% of firms express environmental awareness, fewer than 10% have formal energy efficiency policies. Financial constraints and limited access to efficient equipment are the main barriers to improved energy management. The study concludes that, despite a moderate energy profile, there is an urgent need to strengthen internal energy practices. The findings offer a contextualized framework to guide energy policy and organizational strategies, contributing to more resilient and sustainable urban ICT ecosystems.

In this digital era, the use of learning management systems in education as an attempt to improve teaching and learning delivery has become a central concern. Despite significant investment in Information Communication and Technology (ICT) infrastructure, higher learning institutions across the East African Community continue to face diverse challenges that hinder full utilization. This study was guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework to present a systematic review of literature published between 2015 and 2025, focusing on the most critical factors influencing Learning Management System usage in the East African Community. The literature was identified through six electronic databases guided by the Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework; 92 academic articles were identified and critically analyzed. The results revealed that 28 studies primarily focused on Kenya. The Technology Acceptance Model was the dominant model employed, and students were the main subject of studies. Moreover, the quantitative approach was the preferred design. Overall, thirty-nine factors were identified. The study concludes that the East African Community requires a multi-dimensional approach combining continuous training, supportive policies, and robust ICT infrastructure, including high-speed internet connectivity and strengthened mobile technology. This review will be useful for future research and higher education decision-makers who plan to use online learning to overcome the challenges they face in utilizing LMS effectively. The study was limited to link usage and learning outcomes; therefore, future work should employ stronger designs, incorporate lecturer and administrator perspectives, and integrate multi-level theories to link usage with learning outcomes.

Customer experience (CX) is currently the strategic enabler for business-to-business (B2B) firms in today’s fast-changing digital economy. This study examines the synergistic impact of digital transformation (DT) and social media engagement (SM) on CX performance in Sudan’s information and communication technology (ICT) industry. Drawing on TAM, Sociotechnical Systems Theory, and Customer Experience Management theories, the research employs a mixed-methods design, collecting data from 231 questionnaires and 47 interviews in Khartoum’s digital hotspots. Quantitative results demonstrate that DT is a significant driver of operational effectiveness and mediates the SM–CX relationship, enhancing engagement and satisfaction when strategically used. Qualitative findings pinpoint leadership gaps, competency deficiencies, and demographic differences as drivers of digital responsiveness. Grounded in a conceptual framework with demonstrated reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.884), the study provides ICT firms and policymakers with pragmatic prescriptions, convergent digital solutions, inclusive skill development, and customer-focused innovation to support sustainable development in emerging economies.

ABSTRACT Motivating public participation in water governance is challenging. In the context of digital governance, this study explores untangling public participation dilemmas via information and communications technology (ICT) empowerment for China’s river chief system. Using the technology acceptance model and analysing 926 questionnaires from Guangzhou, we found that: (1) high technology adoption rates coexist with low conversion rates due to usability issues; (2) perceived usefulness mediates usage behaviour, regulated by perceived ease of use, creating an efficiency paradox; and (3) technology and institutions mutually reinforce each other. Optimizing identity authentication and fostering tech-institution collaboration can enhance ICT-based public participation.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state and prospects of digitalization in the economy of the Kyrgyz Republic. It examines key aspects of digital transformation, including the development of digital infrastructure, the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) in key economic sectors, and the level of digital competencies among the population. The main challenges hindering effective digitalization are identified, such as inadequate infrastructure, low digital literacy, limited access to financing, and regulatory barriers. Special attention is given to the prospects of applying advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, in sectors such as agriculture, e-commerce, and public administration. Based on the analysis, recommendations are proposed to accelerate digital transformation, including improving the legislative framework, fostering public-private partnerships, and enhancing digital literacy among the population. The article emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to digitalization to ensure sustainable economic growth and enhance the Kyrgyz Republic’s competitiveness on a global scale.

The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Basic Education still faces substantial challenges, primarily due to the scarcity of structured and contextual media classification guidelines, which hinders teachers' pedagogical decisions. This study aims to fill this gap by formulating a typology of ICT-based learning media that is relevant and applicable for the Basic Education level. Using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method, searches were conducted on the Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, and Google Scholar databases spanning the years 2015–2024. From the initial 1,243 filtered hits, 65 scholarly articles met the inclusion criteria and were conceptually analyzed. This research successfully synthesized and formulated the Three-Dimensional Typology of ICT-Based Learning Media, which is classified based on Interaction Nature, Pedagogical Function, and Technology Type. Specific findings indicate that 42% of the analyzed literature predominantly focuses on media in the form of educational games and interactive simulations. The main findings conclude that the effectiveness of ICT media in Basic Education is highly dependent on Dimension I (Interaction Nature) and Dimension II (Pedagogical Function). The most optimal media are those that are Fully Interactive and function as a tool for Drill/Practice or Simulation/Exploration, which align with the cognitive development needs of elementary school-aged students. This typology provides a theoretical contribution by offering a systematic and evidence-based framework for educators and curriculum developers in strategically selecting, designing, and implementing ICT media to improve the quality of learning

The problematics of artificial intelligence (AI) have become a topical subject in scientific and socio-political discourse, as well as in everyday practice. The rapid pace of digitalization and the widespread adoption of AI are fundamentally transforming societies, economies, and individual lives. The paradigm of AI is being shaped within an interdisciplinary scientific discourse, which unfolds not only in the technological but also in the socio-humanitarian dimensions. The integration of digital technologies into all spheres of social life generates a wide range of issues in socio-cultural, economic, political, psychological, ecological, legal, and ethical aspects. At the personal level, AI technologies provide comfortable living conditions while simultaneously creating human dependence on digital reality, which can significantly influence individual identity. Alongside unprecedented opportunities, the digital transformation of society also brings about challenges and risks that require thorough analysis and the development and implementation of practical algorithms at the state level. Based on discourse analysis of scientific and official sources, as well as an interdisciplinary approach to interpreting sociological measurements of digitalization in Kazakhstan, the article presents relevant contexts for the formation of the national AI paradigm.Keywords: artificial intelligence (AI), information and communication technologies (ICT), Kazakhstan, modernization, risks, digital society

Purpose This study examines the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in improving public sector performance worldwide, with a focus on government effectiveness, accountability and corruption control. Although ICTs have been extensively adopted to enhance outcomes in the public sector, existing literature primarily concentrates on private firms restricting the applicability of findings to the public sector, where performance is assessed based on service delivery and governance rather than profitability. Design/methodology/approach This research analyses the effects of ICT adoption, government ICT usage and individual ICT usage on public sector performance using secondary data from 131 countries. It uses accountability theory, the capability approach and a partial least squares–structural equation modelling approach. Findings The findings indicate that both the use of ICT by the government and the adoption of ICT significantly improve public sector performance. Furthermore, the adoption of ICT has a positive effect on both government and individual ICT use, with government ICT use acting as a mediator in the relationship between ICT adoption and public sector performance. These results highlight the importance of fostering a supportive ICT environment to enhance accountability, efficiency and transparency within public institutions. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is arguably the first to explore the relationship between ICTs and public sector performance, specifically through the lens of the accountability and capability approach. By applying these theories, the research empirically demonstrates how digital technologies foster substantive freedoms that empower citizens to engage in governance processes, encourage public servants to innovate in service delivery and enable institutions to transform technological resources into significant improvements in transparency and effectiveness. Additionally, the study’s use of archival data sources facilitates the reproducibility and generalisability of its findings to a broader population. Thus, this research contributes to the limited literature on ICTs and public sector performance.