Leapfrogging is a practice that is designed to help bridge the digital divide by implementing up-to-date technology in an area where that technology is not yet in use. The main aim is to promote greater access of computer and other technologies, to those people who would normally have no way of accessing it on their own. (Davison et al, 2004) To do this upgrading technology developers, or ‘donors’, use standard technological products, which have been developed in industrialised countries, (Davison et al, 2004) to set-up communities with enough technology to allow it to keep up with modern society. The main advantages of the leapfrogging principle are as follows:
- to promote freer and fairer access to information
- to enhance the relationship between developed and developing countries
- to ensure equality of distribution of information to all young people, from all walks of life. (Davison et al, 2004)
Egypt, Malaysia, parts of Asia and Bangladesh are all countries who have experienced leapfrogging. These countries have received a number of donations from developed countries from telecommunication centres, to information communication technologies (ICTs), infrastructures and research projects all designed to help these countries ‘catch-up’ to the developed world. (Davison et al, 2004)
However, like most principles there are always certain problems and hurdles that must be overcome before it can be fully successful. For example, to ensure this works more is needed than simply the product and the installation. ‘It also requires the application of implied knowledge regarding the organisation and management of the technology and its application to the contextual environment in which it is to be used.’ (Davison et al, 2004) Another problem is that technology is in constant need of maintenance and updating, which again requires skills and knowledge of the technology. And along with the problems of leapfrogging there are also some more less favourable repercussions that can result. The main negative consequence that might arise after leapfrogging is that although developing countries may benefit from the new technology initially, they may become complacent and rely on the ‘blind relief that similar benefits will quickly become available to them at all times.’ (Davison et al, 2004)
Leapfrogging may not be without its problems, but there are policies and schemes in place to try and eradicate these issues. For example, the United Nations (UN) intends to set-up training centres in Africa to help the people understand all the new technologies. (Davison et al, 2004)
Overall, the concept of leapfrogging seems nothing but beneficial to developing countries. However, although intentions are good, developed countries need to take care when setting up these poorer countries with technology. ‘The technology alone will not solve any problems; it must be integrated with social context.’ (Davison et al, 2004) It will take many years before it is possible to determine if leapfrogging is the best and most effective solution for these countries, however, if the few problems that are evident can be fixed, the digital divide may become a thing of the past.
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The United Nations has a membership of 191 countries and together the basic principles of internation relations are decided.
Technology Leapfrogging in Developing Countries is an article that discusses in detail the process of leapfrogging as well as the advantages and disadvanges of the system.
Davison, R, Vogel, D, Harris, R & Jones, N (2004) Technology Leapfrogging in Developing Countries – An Inevitable Luxury, Association for Information Systems, viewed 8 August 2004, <http://www.is.cityu.edu.hk/research/ejisdc/vol1/v1d5.pdf >
Mutume, G (2000) Developing World Leapfrogging the Digital Divide, Asia Times Online, viewed 17 October 2004, <http://www.atimes.com/media/BB23Ce02.html >
Katy Clarke 16:44, 20 Oct 2004 (EST)
