ABSTRACT

Communication and information are locally connected and mutually dependent. The role of developing countries in the present world information order has often been said to be essentially that of providing raw data for processing and utilization by the better equipped economies in the North. In the new international division of knowledge, developing countries have the role of passive providers of raw data and avid consumers of the finished information services produced by the bin corporations, data banks and research institutions in the rich countries. This chapter presents some communication technology issues actualized by the discussion around a new international information and communication order (NIICO). There are two main information areas that are of highest relevance for a NIICO, namely: information for mass communication; and, information for specialized communication. The alternative that favours developing countries in the NIICO debate implies increased economic co-operation among developing countries/technical co-operation for development among developing countries.