Linkages and Connections: A Framework for Research in Information and Communication Technologies, Regional Integration, and Development

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between information and communication technologies (ICTs) and regional integration as a pathway to socioeconomic development in Africa and South America. Both regions share a colonial legacy often characterized by stronger economic ties to the developed world than within the regions. In recent decades, regional organizations have been involved in efforts to strengthen the infrastructure for ICTs, as well as the enhancement of economic and political integration as strategies to achieve development. However, the literature continues to show distinct research agendas that unwittingly overlook the connections between these areas. This article proposes a theoretical framework combining research on integration, ICTs, and development. It provides a brief analysis of each region and its ICT initiatives, the potential impact on regional integration, and how this relates to development. We suggest possible applications of the framework to identify and research the processes of integration and expected outcomes of development. Copyright 2009 by The Policy Studies Organization.

On Facilitating Regional Integration and Economic Development with Collaborative Technologies in the South Pacific

“…Extant work on regional integration emerges from the functionalism theoretical framework. The functionalist approach sees the various stakeholders as the most significant players in the regional integration efforts (Akpan-Obong et al, 2009). This framework acknowledges the important role of IT in facilitating regional integration, but does not present a solid framework for IT-backed regional integration on its own.…”

“…Development theories focus on issues of economic, social, and political development in countries in the periphery (Akpan-Obong et al, 2009). These theories seek to account for the uneven pattern of development worldwide and to recommend measures to overcome underdevelopment (Martinussen, 1997).…”

“…One such theory, the modernisation theory, considers internal factors in its explanation of underdevelopment and therefore prescribed internal changes to facilitate growth. However, its focus on internal constraints to development overlooked the structure of the international political economy and the processes through which it adversely affected the development efforts (Akpan-Obong et al, 2009). Dependency theory argues that underdevelopment is created by the unequal relationship of exchange and dependence that exists between core countries and those in the periphery (Dos Santos, 1998).…”

“…Regional integration agreements could be both economic and political. However, regional integration agreements have generally become a political economy initiative where commercial purposes are the means to achieve broader socio-political and security objectives (Akpan-Obong et al, 2009). Popularised in the 1980s, today all countries in the world are part of at least one regional bloc (Schiff et al, 2003).…”

Communication technology, capabilities and livelihoods

“…The perception that communication technologies are instrumental in shaping development is not new (Slater, 2013). In fact, the role of ICTs in development was evident in the modernization paradigm of the 1950s (Akpan-Obong & Parmentier, 2009) To Lerner and other modernization theorists at the time, nations became "modern" when they adopted "Western" attitudes. Mass media was one, but not the only, catalyst of the process of modernization.…”