The growth of microcomputer applications in industrialized countries is predicated on an existing base that includes the ready availability of affordable hardware and software, trained personnel, capable maintenance, efficient communication systems, and a benign environment; applications are selected and facilitated by a wide range of underlying ex

Microcomputers are an increasingly important tool in all aspects of development as the need to handle and assimilate vast quantities of information becomes ever more critical for both the international development community and the developing countries. In addition, the microcomputer represents the first significant technological advance that a dev

This report is based on a conference on the applications of microcomputers in development sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in collaboration with a host country.

Information is a major development resource, joining the ranks with human, natural and financial resources. Therefore, development agencies must understand the role of information and information technologies (informatics) in the developing countries to respond to a rapidly evolving global environment. The ongoing information explosion in the industrialized economies contrasts sharply with the information poverty of developing countries. This poverty takes many forms, including poor information support for macroeconomic and sectoral policy formulation and implementation, limited access to information for rural populations, and isolation of researchers and professionals from international research findings and so on. Informatics applications offers new ways to make the most of the managerial and institutional resources of developing countries, with the most widespread benefits likely to come from applying it to priority sectors. Governments are recognizing their roles as information providers and users, facilitators of information technology diffusion, and providers of information and communication infrastructures, as well as their role in setting policies for informatics. During the 1990s the impact of information technology will be felt increasingly. Developing countries at all levels of development must stay abreast of the information revolution : they cannot afford to ignore this "second industrial revolution."

Computers and Informatics in Developing Countries is a collection of papers documenting the conference of the Expert Group on Computers and Informatics for Development which investigates how the international scientific and development community can assist developing countries in using computer and informatics technology to promote progress and growth. The papers address the need for developing countries to formulate and apply computer and informatics policies for development, as well as the role of an International Centre for Computers and Informatics (ICCI) should play in the development process. The ICCI should be based on the network principle that links other regional and national computer centers. The advantages of the network principle are lower startup costs, avoidance of setting up a large organization, and localized services of needs. An international organization similar to ICCI can accelerate Third World developmental efforts following the identification of needs of developing countries as regards computer and informatics, setting of clear objectives of ICCI, and meeting with potential donors. The collection is suitable for heads of both non-government agencies and government departments involved in international aid, education, or development, and also to administrators of educational institutions and philanthropic organizations.