A review of national information and communication technologies (ICT) and a proposed National Electronic Initiative Framework (NEIF)

Information and communications technologies (ICT) have had uneven deployment both between nations and within nations. These differences in the use of ICT and the Internet are part of the "digital divide", an uneven distribution of information and communications technologies and the benefits that accrue from their use. This article examines electronic initiatives to improve implementation of ICT throughout the world and proposes a multi-level national electronic initiative framework (NEIF) including fundamental guiding doctrines, general directives, specific domain areas of activity, and finally deliverables. This framework can serve as a guide to national and NGO (non-governmental) organizations to improve access and utilization of ICT and reduce the digital divide.