Planning for sustainable development in the emerging information societies

Abstract

Purpose

This research work aims to investigate the recent status of the information and communication technology (ICT) services industry in Iran. It proposes a systemic applicable approach at policymaking level and appropriate strategic planning steps to enlighten developing countries toward achieving their target objectives of an information society.

Design/methodology/approach

Largely based on existing literature and usage statistics in ICT services, global technology trends and results from a survey to obtain consistent and up-to-date information about current issues of ICT services in the public and private sectors in Iran.

Findings

This study elaborates on all issues, points and best practices relevant to the ICT services industry in Iran which is addressed by recommending some documented policies.

Research limitations/implications

Majority of the experts who attended the workshop and responded to the questionnaire were service consumers rather than service providers.

Practical implications

This paper discusses some of the implications for the development of this ICT services strategy and provides policy recommendations.

Social implications

To enhance the information society with the most advanced ICT services for accelerating human development.

Originality/value

This study provides a government refining process policy to address the common gaps in the ICT services industry in these developing countries and emphasizes a formidable policy foundation before implementing and monitoring of the Flagship ICT projects.

Citation

Taghavi, M., Bakhtiyari, K., Taghavi, H., Olyaee Attar, V. and Hussain, A. (2014), "Planning for sustainable development in the emerging information societies", Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 178-211. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSTPM-04-2014-0013