Manchester chosen for launch of UN Information Economy Report

16 Oct 2009

Centre for Development Informatics to host on 23 October

The University's Centre for Development Informatics has been chosen to host the UK launch of the United Nation's flagship Information Economy Report for 2009. The launch will be held in the Business School on Friday 23 October.

This year's report gives special attention to the impact of the global financial crisis on information and communication technologies (ICTs). The picture is mixed with world trade in ICTs worth a staggering US$3.3 trillion. Trade in computers has fallen during the recession but other items – such as smart phones and software – continue to grow.

The Centre for Development Informatics has undertaken long-term research on the "offshoring" of software development work to low-cost Asian countries. As that research predicted, the 2009 Information Economy Report shows trade in this area has held up well. The financial crisis has pushed companies to do more offshoring as they look for any way in which to cut costs.

The launch event will be presented by the report's lead author, Torbjörn Fredriksson from the UN's Conference on Trade and Development. His work shows organisations in developing countries are increasingly benefitting from use of new technology. But a digital divide stubbornly remains, witholding benefits from those based in poorer countries, rural areas, and smaller firms.