ICT SECTOR GROWTH FOR ECONOMIC EXPANSION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES OF PACIFIC ASIA AND SOUTHERN AFRICA

This paper explores how - or whether - economic growth could be achieved through encouraging development of the ICT sector in developing countries. The aim is to build a framework for understanding the links between industrial policy, the ICT sector, the labour market for high level ICT skills, and the education system in these countries. This work is intended to serve as preparation for undertaking international comparative analysis of the economic growth and employment generation potential of developing country ICT sectors. The paper attempts to identify the core factors and conditions that must be considered in assessing the possibility of developing country economic growth through advancing ICT-related economic activity. Alongside core governance, policy, economic and technology factors that will determine growth potential in the ICT sector, particular attention is given to considering the capacity of the national education and training system to produce and reproduce the skilled labour that is essential for ICT sector sustainability and growth. The paper then explores some options for comparative analysis between countries in the Pacific Asia and Southern Africa regions.