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ICT als Beschäftigungsmotor in den Entwicklungsländern?

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  • Katharina Michaelowa
  • Franziska Spörri

Abstract

The spread of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has started around a decade ago. This development carries the potential to substantially transform labor markets and employment, especially in countries with a low level of economic infrastructure. ICT has already created numerous new business opportunities, and increased productivity in a existing sectors of activity-notably by improving access to information. However, these developments only reflect short-term changes, and much more significant changes can be expected in the long run, even if the concrete effects on labor markets as well as on the economy as a whole (nationally and internationally) are hard to predict. Moreover, the effect of ICT is not necessarily unambiguously positive. This literature review highlights the potential of ICT, but also points out challenges and possible trade-offs between effects on productivity and consumption. Die seit etwa einem Jahrzehnt erheblich zunehmende Verbreitung von Informationsund Kommunikationstechnologien (ICT) birgt das Potenzial zur Revolutionierung von Arbeitsmärkten und Beschäftigung, gerade in Ländern mit bisher geringer Durchdringung von wirtschaftlicher Infrastruktur. Bereits heute ist erkennbar, wie im Bereich ICT unmittelbar neue Geschäftsfelder entstehen und wie die Produktivität durch verbesserten Zugang zu Information in verschiedensten Wirtschaftsbereichen verstärkt wird. Welche gesamtwirtschaftlichen Verschiebungen auf nationaler und internationaler Ebene daraus folgen werden und wie sich dies langfristig auf die Arbeitsmärkte auswirken wird, ist heute allerdings nach wie vor kaum absehbar. Zudem ist der Einfluss von ICT auf Arbeitsmärkte und Beschäftigung auch keineswegs uneingeschränkt positiv. Der vorliegende Literaturüberblick zeigt das Potenzial auf, aber verweist auch auf die entstehenden Probleme und auf Kontraste zwischen Effekten im konsumtiven und produktiven Bereich.

Suggested Citation

  • Katharina Michaelowa & Franziska Spörri, 2012. "ICT als Beschäftigungsmotor in den Entwicklungsländern?," Vierteljahrshefte zur Wirtschaftsforschung / Quarterly Journal of Economic Research, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research, vol. 81(3), pages 85-97.
  • Handle: RePEc:diw:diwvjh:81-3-8
    DOI: 10.3790/vjh.81.3.85
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ICT (information and communication technology); economic development; labor markets; employment; internet; mobile phones; developing countries;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights

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