Factors Affecting Information Technology Transfer in Developing Countries

The problems faced by an organization when introducing Information technology applications have been widely reported and discussed at the international Conferences. The Identification and characterization of these problems have been obtained mostly from case studies related to the developing countries. This paper presents some sociological factors or obstacles that are challenging Information technology transfer in developing countries, and provides some suggestions for overcoming such obstacles in order to achieve the Optimum benefits from these innovations. The introduction of computerized Information technologies supporting organizational and institutional activities has had all the characteristics of a pervasive process. The reasons favouring a decision in favour of these technologies are well known (i.e., to provide enhanced user satisfaction, cost effectiveness, intergration, faster and simpler programmes, rapid responses and easier operational procedures). It was generally assumed that the most advanced western technology used in the highly developed countries could and should be transferred to the less developed countries äs smoothly and efficiently äs possible. This assumption, indeed almost an article of faith, by experts from both the Hast and the West, was shared, by the donors and the recipients alike. In the early 1970s however, the desirability of direct and massive transfer of advanced technology to the developing countries began to be widely questioned. By then, it was becoming increasingly clear that the introduction of highly sophisticated, capital-intensive operations may cause more problems than it solves. Many developing countries incurred excessive foreign debts in purchasing, utilising and maintaining the necessary highly sophisticated modern equipment.