Author ORCID Identifier
Pedro Godinho: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2247-7101
Pedro Torres: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7903-0039
Abstract
This study contributes to ongoing debates in the field of information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) by analyzing the extent to which different pillars of digital readiness (technology infrastructure, people, and governance) and democracy are necessary to achieve developmental outcomes. It applies necessary condition analysis (NCA) to assess whether these factors are essential for attaining high levels of economic performance, quality of life, and progress toward sustainable development goals (SDGs). The findings show that all pillars of digital readiness, as well as democracy, are necessary to achieve these outcomes; however, their impact is uneven. Digital readiness has the strongest effect on economic performance rather than on social outcomes. The results suggest that the impacts of digital readiness and democracy are contingent on countries’ income levels. Most sub-pillars of digital readiness are necessary to achieve high economic performance across all income groups. However, their relevance for SDGs is only observed in high-income countries, whereas their importance for quality of life is more pronounced in low- and lower middle-income countries. Furthermore, by identifying threshold levels below which desired outcomes are unlikely to occur, NCA also reveals development bottlenecks, providing valuable guidance for context-sensitive policy design.
Recommended Citation
Godinho, P. M.,
&
Torres, P.
(In press).
Levels of Necessity of Digital Readiness and Democracy for Economic Performance, Quality of Life and Sustainable Development.
Information Technology for Development.
Available at:
https://aisel.aisnet.org/itd/vol32/iss3/19