ICT and development: A new indicator for international comparisons

Abstract

The use and diffusion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can be seen as a mechanism for reducing the global divide. Two aspects are crucial: Counting on accurate time-series data and the definition of the components defining ICT indicators. We carry out a multiple imputation technique to estimate missing ICT data using the Expectation Maximisation approach. The resulting dataset (170 countries, from 1991 to 2003) allows us to propose a confident ICT index, based on national capabilities (NaCap Index). It attempts to capture countries' differences in educational and structural elements, determinant factors for positive impacts from the use of ICT.