Information economy report 2010: ICTs, enterprises and poverty alleviation
The Information Economy Report 2010: ICT, Enterprises and Poverty Alleviation is the fifth in the flagship series published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). As one of few annual reports that monitor global trends related to information and communication technologies (ICTs) from a development perspective, the Report is a valuable reference source for policymakers in developing countries. In the 2010 edition, special attention is given to the potential impact of ICTs in enterprises for reducing poverty and improving livelihoods. The Information Economy Report 2010 puts the spotlight on how improved access to ICTs - especially mobile phones - in low-income countries can impact on development and poverty. For the first time, there are realistic opportunities for inhabitants of remote locations in low-income countries to get connected via ICTs. This opens new opportunities for poor farmers, fishermen or entrepreneurs in urban slums to develop their businesses and livelihoods, reduce information search and transactions costs, and benefit from improved market efficiency. The Report explores policy options for countries seeking to make the most of the new opportunities to leverage ICTs and enterprise to bring tangible benefits to the poor.