Think Global, Act Local

Abstract

Being able to connect high-speed computing and other information technologies into broadband communication networks presents local communities with some of their best chances for renewal. Such technologies are now widely perceived to be not just a nice amenity among corporations and such non-profit organizations as universities but a social and economic necessity for communities struggling to find their place in a rapidly changing world. Today, citizens want and expect their local communities to be “wired” for broadband digital transactions, whether for family, business, education or leisure. Such networks have become a necessity for attracting and retaining the new “knowledge workforce” that will be key to transforming communities into digital societies where people will want to live and work. Since the Internet is a global phenomenon, some of the challenges of globalization for local communities and regions are introduced in this article and suggestions for turning those challenges into opportunities are offered. To attain maximum benefit from the new wired and wireless networks, local strategies must be developed for its implementation and applications must be chosen with some sensitivity to local needs. New Growth theory is used to show why communities must plan their development agenda, and case studies of the Intelligent Community Forum are included to show how strategically used ICTs are allowing local communities to be contributors in global markets.

Broadband Internet Development and Economic Growth: A Comparative Study of Two Asian Countries

“…For this determinant, the study will focus on competition in broadband Internet industry 5 . (OECD, 2001c) found that this competition was one of the significant factors affecting the growth of Internet development in certain countries.…”

“…Increasing broadband Internet access has provided many new business opportunities and providing a wide variety of applications from streaming media to tele-medicine (CNETNews, 2002). Due to its ability of global reach, Internet is changing the fundamental nature of global business by providing people opportunity to connect to other people and businesses with no time or geographical limitations [(Sprano&Zakak, 2000), (Albert &Flournoy, 2010)]. In essence, the country-readiness of broadband Internet affects its national competitive advantage.…”