Technology Policy and The Diffusion of Computing: A Study in Asia-Pacific Nations

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This project involves the scientific analysis of a unique, longitudinal data base on the role of technology policy in the diffusion of computing in twelve Asia-Pacific countries. The purposes are to: (1) describe evolving trends in the international diffusion of computing technology; (2) develop understanding of the relationship between government technology policy and the diffusion of computing; and (3) assess the effect of environmental factors, especially economic development and computing infrastructure, on the diffusion of computing. The method involves quantitative analysis--by country, across countries, and over time--of relationships between the extent, rate, breadth and pattern of computing diffusion and two sets of independent variables: environmental factors and technology policy. The analyses will use data already collected for the period 1980-1992, which will be supplemented annually for each country. The quantitative analysis will be bolstered by reference to qualitative case histories of each country's political, economic and infrastructure environment, its government technology policy, and its diffusion results. The analyses also will be reviewed by experts in each country who are familiar with government technology policy and computing diffusion. The results of the research will be new understanding about the relative influences of environmental factors and of government technology policy on the diffusion of computing production and use within a country and across countries. The results also will include a general model of the relationship between general economic conditions in a country and computing diffusion; and a unique and valuable database that other scholars can use to pursue related scientific and policy questions.