Digital Divide, Knowledge and Innovations
Year: 2013
Type: preprint
Abstract: Access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) enables the production, use and transfer of knowledge in an efficient and low cost manner. Knowledge is the major factor in the knowledge economy and countries that have limited access to ICT are disadvantaged. This phenomenon is known as digital divide and it pertains to a number of countries. This article synthesizes the relevant literature in order to explore relationships of digital divide with knowledge asymmetry, information asymmetry, innovation, and knowledge economy. Digital divide in this context mainly causes disadvantages in regard to growth and development for countries with limited access to ICT. A brief comparative case of the republic of Korea and South Africa is discussed to illustrate the relationship between digital divide and knowledge economy. It is argued that that the movements toward open source and especially open innovations present opportunities for gaining knowledge and skills that may reduce the digital divide.
Source: SSRN Electronic Journal
Author: Marek Giebel
Institution: Copenhagen Business School
Language: English
Subfield: General Social Sciences
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2272752921