Knowledge-Based Economic Growth from the Social Context of Information Technology

Information systems have been touted as a key driver of economic growth in the modern world. Countries and regions alike have leveraged these powerful technologies to boost economic growth. In today’s knowledge-driven economy, information technologies are applicable to many industries as they can be harnessed to increase productivity and production. However, the ability to use these technologies to facilitate economic growth goes beyond the technologies per se. In this chapter, the author argues that the social context influences a region’s ability to create knowledge-based economic growth. Using case studies of three regions, the author argues that upskilling and isomorphism are important facets in a region’s social context that warrant consideration. The results are applicable to policy-making and contribute to the literature on social informatics.