Technology is considered to be one of the most prominent areas that characterise
Globalization (Cantwell, 1995). The interplay between
Technology and globalization results in a wide range of networks and communication technologies that has contributed significantly towards changes in political, social and
economic spheres of life in Third World
Countries (TWCs) (Jimmy, 2003). The globalization of ICT discourse has generated much debate and controversy over its status and whether or not it opens ‘windows’ of opportunity for TWCs (Hassan, 1999). Whether its consequences are thought to be positive or negative depends upon the different theoretical stances each author takes. There are several different perspectives surrounding this issue. For instance, Robson & Harris (2000), argued that globalization simply consists in the emerging of a Transnational Capitalist Class (TCC), representing transnational capital and owning the leading worldwide technological means of production. This view appears to possess some features of Marxist epistemology since that it encompasses the notion of capitalist economic competition and ownership of means of production. One could also argue that such views convey a rather sceptic approach to globalization of ICT. Similar views are shared by authors such as Breathnach (2000) who asserted that the expansion of ICT at a global scale reflects the dynamism of capitalism as an exploitative system, whose technical development is driven by competitive trading. In his paper Breathnach also suggested that Globalization of ICT has contributed towards increasing the gap between developed and non-developed countries. In addition, he insisted that
‘a global ruling class and movement of capital underpin the globalization of ICT thesis’ (p. 479). This point is also supported by Robert Went (2005) who’s article leads many to conclude that the introduction of new technologies has contributed towards an increase of social differences as well as ‘rising poverty in non developed countries’ (p. 367). A similar perspective is provided by Yunusa Ya’u (2005) who argued that Globalization of ICT has resulted in a new imperialism that tends to increase rather than decrease the digital divide between rich and poor countries. In this article he insists that ‘the centrality of ICT to globalization has resulted in a division of unequal access to them’ (p. 98). He’s contribution addresses the substantive nature of the new imperialism as a ubiquitous factor in promoting a digital divisions between first and third world countries, rather than a solution to the problem of poverty. The author concludes asserting that what is needed is to rethink the nature and terms of TWCs integration in the ICT development, in detriment of a radical technological revolution that could possible aggravate the poverty crisis in those countries. A different theoretical perspective is presented by a number of authors (Jain, 2006; Patterson & Bozeman, 2006; Gabrielsson & Gabrielsson, 2004) who asserted that globalization of ICT plays a vital role in TWCs economic growth and development. In this respect Jain (2006) asserted that ‘ICT can be used as a catalyst in empowering non developed countries’ (p. 53). This article is particularly concerned with the opportunities for business investment provided by new communication and information technologies in less developed countries. A supporting argument for this view is provided by Patterson & Bozeman (2006) whose article leads many to believe that science and technology are the raw materials of the future for eradicating poverty, political subordination and social injustice. The key questions asked by these authors are if whether or not TWCs market will be able to compete at global level without developing their technological infrastructure. In this respect, they suggested that embracing the ICT cause is thus a sine qua non for the economic development and social orderof any TWC. Similar views are shared by Gabrielsson & Gabrielsson (2004) who asserted that TWCs have a choice of ignoring ICT and face an uncertain future, or ‘march with the rest of the world into the information age by embracing this new economic and technological revolution’ (p. 675). The aforementioned authors seem to adopt a Neoliberal perspective since that their views promote an economic liberalism that has become increasingly important in international economic policy.
References:
Anthony H. Richmond (2002) Globalization of ICT: implications for immigrants and refugees. Ethnic and Racial Studies Vol. 25, (5), pp. 707 – 727Archibugi, D. & Iammarino, S. (1999) The policy implications of the globalisation of innovation. Research Policy. Vol.28 (1) pp.317-336
Ethier, W. (2005)
Globalization,
globalisation: Trade,
technology, and wages. International Review of Economics & Finance. Vol. 14, (3), pp.237-258 Gilsing, V. & Nooteboom, B. (2006) Exploration and exploitation in innovation systems: The case of pharmaceutical biotechnology. Research Policy. Vol. 35 (1) pp. 1-23Gross, M. (2005) Technology Development as Innovative Crisis: Georg Simmel's Reflections on Modern Science and Technology. Perspectives on Global Development & Technology. Vol. 4 (1), pp. 45-61Haan, J. (2003) International Relations Theory. International Affairs. Vol. 79, (4), pp. 879 – 936 Hassan, R. (1999) Globalization: Information Technology and Culture within the Space Economy of Late Capitalism. Information, Communication & Society. Vol. 2,(3), pp. 300 – 317Jain, P. (2006) Empowering Africa’s development using ICT in a knowledge management approach. The Electronic Library. Vol. 24, (1), pp. 51-67
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