Key information technology issues in Estonia

Abstract The considerable differences between countries in the Eastern European region make studying information technology (IT) issues and generalizing results rather challenging. However, careful analysis shows the Estonian IT environment shares many similarities with other Eastern European economies and may serve as an exemplar for identifying IT concerns for the region. This article discusses a Delphi-based investigation into the pressing issues encountered in the Estonian IT environment. The results are compared and contrasted with previously conducted Delphi studies in Western countries. The major concerns of Estonian IT managers focus on technological rather than managerial issues, whereas IT managers in the West report the reverse ordering. Furthermore, even though these IT managers shared some issues with their Western counterparts, new issues unique to Estonia emerged. Several conclusions about the IT environment are drawn and suggestions are made for replicating the study in other Eastern European countries.

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