A Model for the Impact of Cybersecurity Infrastructure on Economic Development in Emerging Economies: Evaluating the Contrasting Cases of India and Pakistan

The possibilities and risks inherent in the dissemination of ICT necessitate implementation of cybersecurity initiatives. Yet, we know very little about the specific relationships between national information infrastructure (NII), cybersecurity capability, and economic development in emerging economies. This paper proposes a model based on national nuclear threat security through which a developing nation could develop an effective cybersecurity infrastructure while simultaneously positively impacting economic development. Our model extends the cybersecurity triad of internal governance, private sector partners and an active cybercitizenry to add a fourth influence - foreign government relations - that significantly impacts socioeconomic development. The model will be elaborated through the lens of two case study nation-states: India and Pakistan.