The Information Age

It is widely recognized that Wales, as a small country linked to a much larger neighbor within both the European context and a globalized economy, must develop separate policies for the use of new technologies.  How this is achieved in practice, however, is proving to be less straightforward.  The Information Age offers a critical examination of the challenges a newly devolved Wales faces in reinventing itself as a confident and competitive 'e-nation.'

 

Neil Selwyn and Stephen Gorard suggest that small countries will lose out if they fail to adopt appropriate strategies for lifelong learning and combat the danger of a 'digital divide.'  at the same time, their extensive empirical research offers early indications of the likely shortcomings of relying on technology alone to promote knowledge and social inclusion.  Wales faces major structural, economic and socio-cultural challenges.  None of these will be overcome by relying solely on 'technical fixes.'