Conventional wisdom suggests too little information and communication technologies (ICT) in poor countries. Indeed, within 70 countries at various levels of development, there is a positive relationship between income per capita and the capital share of ICT. While this regularity is consistent...

Mobile phones and the internet have significantly affected practically all sectors of the economy, and agriculture is no exception. Building on a recent World Bank flagship report, this paper introduces a concise framework for describing the main benefits from new information and communications...

Since Schumpeter, economists have argued that vast productivity gains can be achieved by investing in innovation and technological catch-up. Yet, as this volume documents, developing country firms and governments invest little to realize this potential, which dwarfs international aid flows....

More than 10 million school-age children have been forced out of school in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) due to armed conflict in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and other countries. Most are displaced internally but others have fled across borders to seek refuge. Displacement may have...

Transport connectivity is an essential part of the enabling environment for inclusive and sustained growth. In many developing countries, particularly in Africa, the vast majority of farmers are still disconnected from local, regional, and global markets. To reduce poverty and support inclusive...

Agriculture plays a vital role in the development of many countries. Access to markets, finance and information are cornerstones for agricultural growth. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) supports farmers by facilitating access to markets through real-time data on market prices,...

This report examines three interrelated issues - digital connectivity, digital entrepreneurship, and taxation of digital platforms - that are closely aligned with Malaysia's goal of becoming the e-commerce hub of the region. By leveraging the internet, smartphones, Big Data, the internet of...

Uruguay has much to gain from further integration with the global marketplace. Increased trade allows economies of scale and increases exposure to technological and knowledge spillovers, resulting in greater productivity. Participating in global and regional value chains is an important...

Nepal's information and communications technology (ICT) services are nascent, informal and centered in Kathmandu. The supply of skilled manpower is not well-oriented to the needs of ICT firms. Similar to other sectors, Nepal's ICT sector also faces severe cross-cutting business climate...

This learning note aims to document the experience of the Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea (BAI) and the online administrative appeals hub system of Korea's Central Administrative Appeals Commission (CAAC) in leveraging ICT platforms for citizen engagement. The note both analyzes...