Conclusion

In this chapter the phenomenon of the digital gap was examined with its relation to information technology diffusion. We demonstrated that the elimination of inequalities in the use of telecommunication technologies is an important aspect of the social development and the consideration of the widest range of stakeholders when applying diffusion strategies is a major normative concern of policy makers at all levels. It is important for change agencies to have a holistic view of the stakeholders acting in the society. In this way they can be sensitive to the specific needs of different interest groups, they can be more effective in the application of their strategies and act proactively in a rapid technologically changing environment. Additionally, stakeholder analysis can make policy makers aware of what is at stake and therefore take further action for the elimination of the digital divide within and outside their national borders.

Our analysis shows that the elimination of the digital gap is a complex process with the participation of stakeholders acting at various levels of decision and policy making. We argued that examining the interest of stakeholders acting as change agencies from a normative aspect could help in the application of effective information technology diffusion policies toward its elimination.

Further research in the field could include the examination of the phenomenon of the digital divide and how change agents working in various national settings or geographical regions tackle it. Additionally it could be interesting to focus the research on policies addressed to different diffusion receivers such as individuals at small or large companies. We believe that the results of extensive research in the field can be useful to policy makers, at both the national and international level, as they work towards the elimination of the digital divide.