A Framework for Assessing the Global Diffusion of the Internet

Authors

Peter Wolcott, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow
Larry Press, California State University at Dominguez HillsFollow
William McHenry, The University of AkronFollow
Seymour Goodman, Georgia Institute of TechnologyFollow
William Foster, Arizona State University WestFollow

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive framework for describing the diffusion of the Internet in a country. It incorporates insights gained from in-depth studies of about 25 countries undertaken since 1997. The framework characterizes diffusion using six dimensions, defining them in detail, and examines how the six dimensions relate to underlying bodies of theory from the national systems of innovation and diffusion of innovations approaches. It addresses how to apply the framework in practice, highlighting Internet diffusion determinants. This framework is useful for business stakeholders wanting to make use of and invest in the Internet, for policy makers debating how to positively (or negatively) influence its use and development, and for researchers studying the large-scale diffusion of complex, interrelated technologies.

Recommended Citation

Wolcott, Peter; Press, Larry; McHenry, William; Goodman, Seymour; and Foster, William (2001) "A Framework for Assessing the Global Diffusion of the Internet," Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 2(1), .
DOI: 10.17705/1jais.00018
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jais/vol2/iss1/6

DOI

10.17705/1jais.00018