This book provides extended frameworks and models to help with the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) in developing countries. The book first discusses the extent to which conventional ICT theories can be rigid in nature, often unable to handle the constant advances in technology, and technology adoption, implementation, usage, and disposal, not to mention different needs and cost availability in developing countries. The authors go on to show how new and revised models, tested in many societies in developing countries, can solve this mismatch. The authors provide examples of successful ICT adoption in developing country settings, in the areas of agriculture, culture, forestry, education, economics, health, and governance. The authors also show how techniques from persuasive design, philosophical designs, and motivational designs have been adjusted to facilitate successful ICT adoption, implementation, usage, and disposal in targeted regions.

Much of the discussion about new technologies and social equality has focused on the oversimplified notion of a "digital divide." Technology and Social Inclusion moves beyond the limited view of haves and have-nots to analyze the different forms of access to information and communication technologies. Drawing on theory from political science, economics, sociology, psychology, communications, education, and linguistics, the book examines the ways in which differing access to technology contributes to social and economic stratification or inclusion. The book takes a global perspective, presenting case studies from developed and developing countries, including Brazil, China, Egypt, India, and the United States. A central premise is that, in today's society, the ability to access, adapt, and create knowledge using information and communication technologies is critical to social inclusion. This focus on social inclusion shifts the discussion of the "digital divide" from gaps to be overcome by providing equipment to social development challenges to be addressed through the effective integration of technology into communities, institutions, and societies. What is most important is not so much the physical availability of computers and the Internet but rather people's ability to make use of those technologies to engage in meaningful social practices.

Regional growth in the European Union hinges to a large extent on smart specialization, a new and exciting theme in economic innovation studies. Advances in the Theory and Practice of Smart Specialization illuminates problems that have stifled the implementation of smart specialization policies, such as unique regional constraints and the inter-dependent demands of economic growth and commercial development. Forward-looking and pragmatic, it provides guidance for developing smart specialization strategies both to those involved in European affairs and others grappling with regional innovation and economic development worldwide. - Emphasizes specific contexts for smart specialization, its international approach and institutional preconditions - Examines comparable initiatives worldwide - Explains how to implement smart specialization policies given different development levels of regions and countries

The dot-com revolution has brought many advances before unimagined. Of them all, it may be said that none have surpassed e-government in attracting a significant number of researchers and practitioners from around the world. However, the question remains whether everyone is ready to join the e-government movement, or if some are just blindly following the latest trend. Digital Solutions for Contemporary Democracy and Government touches on several key issues and challenges surrounding the recent e-government boom and offers practical solutions from those who have been a part of implementing e-government programs internationally. Due to its breadth of discussion on a variety of topics relating to the intersection of technology with politics, democracy, and government, this authoritative book is a valuable reference source for professionals, researchers, and students in the field of e-government, information management, or knowledge management.

From domestic to international settings, aid and assistance to less-developed areas has recently been bolstered by a boom in technological advances and new research. Regional Development: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications presents a vital compendium of research detailing the latest case studies, architectures, frameworks, methodologies, and research on regional development. With over 100 chapters from authors from around the world, this three volume collection presents the most sophisticated research and developments from the field, relevant to researchers, academics, and practitioners alike. In order to stay abreast of the latest research, this book affords a vital look into regional development research.

"This book reviews the impact technology has had on individuals and organizations whose access to media and resources is otherwise limited including topics such as electronic voting, electronic delivery systems, social Web applications, and online educational environments"--Provided by publisher.