Information technology can give significant aid to less developed
countries (LDC) in their development efforts. Telecommunications satellites
can provide communications capabilities to areas that lack or are unable to
establish ground communications facilities, and microcomputers and packaged
software offer substantial computational capacity at relatively low cost. These
technologies can allow LDCs to assess development needs, resource requirements,
and alternative development strategies. While LDCs recognize the importance
of information technology, several barriers to its implementation exist, including:
1. lack of available capital, 2. lack of trained personnel and technical supportfacilities,
3. an unwillingness to rely on foreign technology, and 4. lack of cooperation
from developed nations. Overcoming these barriers will require that developed
nations give financial and technical assistance to LDCs in applying information
technology and in developing communications capabilities.