London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

Modules110 Information and communication technology policy (half unit)

Prerequisite

If taken as part of a BSc Degree, 62 Information Systems Development and
Management. Exclusion
This unit may not be taken with 104 Information systems: evaluation and policy.
Aims and objectives
This unit discusses how information and communication technologies (ICT) are
understood to contribute to a country’s development and what efforts national and
international institutions make to facilitate the exploitation of ICTs for economic
growth and social improvements and to address potentially undesirable
consequences. The main aims of the unit are:
? To introduce students to the theories that seek to explain the way ICT are
implicated in social and economic change
? To develop understanding of major social concepts intended to capture the
major changes associated with ICT, such as the ‘information society’ and
‘globalisation’
?
To develop understanding of the nature of the problems associated with ICTs
and development such as the ‘digital divide’, and the potentials threats that
require government attention, such as privacy and security
? To inform about the policies through which governments of different
countries and international institutions have sought to promote the
developmental potential of ICT and to address its risks and threats
? To develop the ability to evaluate the efficacy and adequacy of an IT policy.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
? To understand the expectations, anxieties and hopes national governments,
international development organisations and societies at large associate with
the new information and communication technologies;
? To understand the major theoretical perspectives on the significance of new
ICTs from economics and social theory on development;
? To understand the major socio-economic changes associated with ICT as
expressed with the concepts of information economy, information society,
knowledge society; and globalisation;
? To understand to nature of the problem of the digital divide;
? To understand technical innovation as a process involving both technology
development and social change;

? To understand the specific areas of action and government intervention that
have so far comprised ICT policy;
? To be aware of the potential risks posed in civil life by the spread of new
technologies and the legal measures available for protection;
? To understand in depth typical cases of ICT policy;
? To be able to appraise critically the validity of concerns expressed in
particular cases of ICT policy, their merits, shortcomings and feasibility of
implementation. Syllabus
Why ICT policy? Economic theories on technology and economic growth; IT and
social transformation; conceptions of the Information Society; IT and national
sovereignty; IT and globalisation.
Areas of ICT policy: IT industries; telecommunications liberalisation and
regulation; National systems of innovation; IT in Government; social policy to
respond to structural changes; legislation for data protection, intellectual property
rights, knowright, computer crime protection.
Case studies of national ICT policy: students should study two well known cases of
IT policies, choosing from the policies of Japan, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, and
the policy of their own country.
Essential reading
Please refer to the most recent edition of the subject guide for a full and current list
of essential and further reading for this subject.
Assessment
This half unit is assessed by a two hour unseen written examination.
All information in this document is subject to confirmation in the Programme Regulations for
degrees and diplomas in Economics, Management, Finance and the Social Sciences that are
reviewed annually. Notice is also given in the Regulations of any units which are being phased
out and students are advised to check unit availability.