Chapter 8: Information and Communication Technologies

Title: ICT: a tool for transformation on the road to a New Zealand knowledge society

Reference: WORLD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK 2006 pp. 242 - 253

Abstract/Summary: Rapid technological development is moving the world from an Industrial Age to an Information Age. Yet New Zealand's economy is still too dependent on producing commodities for export. New Zealand requires transformation from a pastoral economy to a knowledge-driven economy by utilizing its good technological infrastructure and its culture of innovation that are considered prerequisites for the Information Age. On the other hand New Zealand is confronted with challenges in areas such as the low number of graduates in technical disciplines, low investment in RD, low percentage of high-technology exports, lack of skills in venture capital and entrepreneurship and finally lack of strategic vision. This paper focuses on providing contextual information on the development of a knowledge economy and its impact on economic development in New Zealand in general and more specifically on Maori (indigenous people of New Zealand) Development.

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