Scaling up Information Services for Development: A Framework of Increasing Returns for Telecenters

• Main Authors: TSCHANG, Ted, CHULADUL, Mathurot, LE, Thuy Thu
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2002
• Subjects: Strategic Management Policy; Technology and Innovation
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/2281; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/lkcsb_research/article/3280/viewcontent/J_of_Intl_Development___2002___Tschang___Scaling_up_information_services_for_development_a_framework_of_increasing_returns.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

Telecentres are an important type of information and communication technology (ICT) system particularly assisting rural and urban communities in developing countries, but the focus is often put on social development, sometimes on static economic returns, and rarely on dynamic economic aspects. This paper develops a basis for understanding the factors behind financial success in a dynamic setting based on the concept of increasing returns. This is applied to telecentres according to the stage of maturity of their information services. The framework is illustrated with literature- and interview-based cases, and will help an understanding of ways in which telecentres can scale-up their operation and impact.