IT in Emerging Markets

E merging markets are now attracting significant interest among IT professionals and researchers. These markets represent twothirds of the world’s population, generate over 20 percent of the world’s gross domestic product, and are restructuring themselves to foster further growth and socioeconomic development. Furthermore, increased investments in science and technology research and development are helping emerging markets catch up with developed markets. Realizing that IT puts them on a progressive path, they’re embracing it in significant and novel ways in areas such as communication, business, education, healthcare, economic and human development, and government. New opportunities exist for the IT industry and emerging markets to embrace each other. This special issue presents a snapshot of IT’s progress and potential in such markets and the related challenges IT professionals and policy makers must address.