11. National Technology Planning: Digital Divide in Emerging Economies (Case: Costa Rica)

The methodology selected for conducting this study is the analytic hierarchy process, and the model is based on the United Nations Development Program report titled “Creating a Development Dynamic: Final Report of the Digital Opportunity,” concepts from the literature and expert judgments. A four-level hierarchical decision model has been developed using weights provided by an expert panel. The model computes the contribution to the reduction of the internal DD, due to the reduction of the DD in different key sectors, ICT applications, and ICTs. The model was developed for short and longer terms. The judgmental values were tested for consistency and sensitivity, and verified by the expert panel. The study found that a reduction of the DD in the education sector would have the largest impact followed by the reduction of the DD in the economic, government, and health sectors. Education and government applications have the largest impact on reducing the internal digital divide, due to their focus on innovation and creativity, enhancing the education process through ICT use as well as improving the efficiency of public administration.