mediadev library

Sort by:

Direction:

Regional good practices: Accelerating innovation, entrepreneurship and digital transformation in the Americas region

Geneva: ITU (2021), viii, 70 pp.

"This report provides an overview of the comparative innovation capacity of the Americas region through ICT-centric innovation policy monitors and insights on how good practice can strengthen capacity to integrate ICT innovation into national development agendas. Overall, the Americas region has sho ... more

Download (23)

Digital trends in Asia and the Pacific 2021: Information and communication technology trends and developments in the Asia-Pacific region, 2017-2020

Geneva: ITU (2021), vi, 58 pp.

"This report provides an overview of trends and developments in ICT infrastructure, access and use in Asia and the Pacific, which includes 38 Member States and is home to a population of 4.2 billion people. It highlights changes in information communication technology (ICT) adoption since the last W ... more

Download (22)

Financing Universal Access to Digital Technologies and Services

Geneva: ITU (2021), vii; 93 pp.

Download (16)

Regional good practices: Accelerating innovation, entrepreneurship and digital transformation in the Africa States region

Geneva: ITU (2021), ix, 64 pp.

"This report provides an overview of the comparative innovation capacity of the Africa region through ICT-centric Innovation policy monitors and shares insights about good practices strengthening the capacity to integrate ICT innovation in national development agendas. Overall, although sub-Saharan ... more

Download (19)

"Towards Building Inclusive Digital Communities": ITU Toolkit and Self-Assessment for ICT Accessibility Implementation

Geneva: ITU (2021), viii; 99 pp.

Download (30)

Connectivity in the Least Developed Countries: Status report 2021

Michael Minges

Geneva: ITU (2021), ix, 59 pp.

"In 2020, the 46 LDCs had a combined population of 1.06 billion people and are highly vulnerable, with low levels of human development. And yet, geography, population size and income vary within the group, and these different conditions affect digital development. National data infrastructure is an ... more

Download (28)

Digital tools and strategies in COVID-19 infodemic response: Case studies and discussion

Roman Chestnov et al.

Geneva: ITU (2021), 60 pp.

"Digital technology, while an important enabler of many COVID-19 mitigation measures, has also contributed to the rise of misinformation and disinformation surrounding the pandemic. The circulation of rumours, conspiracy theories, false claims and misconceptions about the novel coronavirus has had a ... more

Download (21)

Tanzania: A solid base for moving to G5 regulation

Geneva: ITU (2021), vi, 21 pp.

"The objective of this case study is to analyse the current institutional and regulatory framework of Tanzania to understand how it reflects the principles and nature of collaborative regulation. The case study also highlights areas of strength and possible improvements as Tanzania journeys towards ... more

Download (14)

Digital solutions for a circular electronics value chain: A thought paper for International E-Waste Day 2021

Yondeen Sherpa, Deepali Sinha

Geneva; Brussels: ITU; WEEE Forum; GSMA; Sofies Group (2021), 38 pp.

"This paper has shown the diverse application of digital technologies across the electronics value chain, from raw material production and EEE manufacturing to post-consumer e-waste collection, logistics and recycling. Around the world, there is growing interest in digital technologies - particularl ... y AI, robotics, cloud computing, the IoT and blockchain - as tools to strengthen and support a circular electronics value chain from operational and logistical tasks to communication. Digital solutions were found in all stages of the EEE value chain, with some in widespread use. However, globally, technologies are being applied at various scales and in a heterogenous nature. Digital solutions were also found to be largely aimed at the optimization of existing business processes for improved efficiency. Digital solutions were found to address the challenges observed in the electronics value chain. They bridge the information gap between stakeholders by building connectivity and communication channels, as well as between devices, facilitating vital information exchange, including tracking, and monitoring of materials and e-waste flows. Digital technologies such as collection applications and online marketplaces provide consumers with the convenience and incentives to turn in their e-waste. Given the logistical requirements of the value chain and the large amount of EEE and e-waste in circulation, digitalisation leverages data analysis to maximize resources, and optimize processes by increasing efficiency and reducing costs. With the emergence of highly automated or autonomous systems, digital technologies can contribute to the improvement of worker health and safety through improved handling of hazardous materials, as well as increase the efficiency and speed of sorting large quantities of EEE and e-waste, increasing the purity of the waste stream and the amount recycled. As functionality and sophistication of digital technologies increase, solutions are more likely to be employed to access data in real time, design new products and services, and with it, transform business models towards circularity. With the extent of digitalisation varying considerably between and within countries, as well as between private and public entities, it should be noted that digital solutions require resources and an enabling ecosystem to be effectively rolled out across the electronics value chain. Elements such as equal access to digital infrastructure and digital skills, financial viability of the digital applications, the opportunity for public-private partnerships, as well as data security and privacy provisions are important factors in the effectiveness of digital solutions. Furthermore, countries with fledgling e-waste management systems and linear electronics value chains, particularly in LMICs, need to prioritize strengthening linkages between stakeholders and creating robust and circular electronics value chains as a first step. This paper has shown that the electronics value chain and the necessary shift towards a circular economy, can benefit from and be enabled by the use of digital solutions, especially for waste prevention, more transparent producer responsibility and supporting consumer participation. In assessing the potential of digital solutions to strengthen and support the transition towards a circular electronics value chain, it is important to note that such an evolution needs to be complemented with continuing research and efforts to understand its impact on the electronics value chain and its stakeholders, considering the most vulnerable such as those working in the informal sector. Digitalisation comes with numerous benefits, but an unregulated space can alienate some of those involved and potentially underscore inequalities, infringe on privacy and even create more e-waste. Attention should also be paid to the environmental impact of digital technology solutions, from the resources needed for device production, energy consumption during use, and e-waste generation from the solutions themselves. It is important that stakeholders adopting digital solutions consider that they are designed for longevity, taking into consideration the need of future software upgrades, and designed for efficient repair, reuse or refurbishment." (Conclusion) more

Download (23)

Digital trends in the Arab States region 2021: Information and communication technology trends and developments in the Arab States region, 2017-2020

Geneva: ITU (2021), vi, 52 pp.

"This report provides an overview of trends and developments in information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, access and use in the ITU Arab States region, which includes 21 Member States plus the State of Palestine under Resolution 99 (Rev. Dubai, 2018), and is home to a population ... more

Download (33)

Digital trends in the Commonwealth of Independent States region 2021: Information and communication technology trends and developments in the CIS region, 2017-2020

Geneva: ITU (2021), vi, 47 pp.

"This report provides an overview of trends and developments in information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, access and use in the CIS region, which includes 9 Member States and is home to a population of 240 million people. The report highlights changes in ICT adoption since the l ... more

Download (31)

Telecommunications/ICTs for rural and remote areas. Study period 2018-2021

Geneva: ITU (2021), xiii, 90 pp.

"There is need for further studies focusing on access to broadband services and how emerging technologies can be used to transform rural and remote areas into digital economies. There is no one-size-fits-all model for financing rural connectivity and engaging all stakeholders, but creating public-pr ... more

Download (46)

Ageing in a Digital World: From Vulnerable to Valuable

Ana María Carrillo

Geneva: ITU (2021), vi, 41 pp.

"Ageing in a digital world – from vulnerable to valuable" is the first- ever report to be produced by ITU to raise awareness in the ICT sector on the importance of being prepared to respond to the needs and requirements of ageing populations. This is essential to fulfil our pledge to ‘’leave n ... more

Download (26)

South Malekula: A smart island of Vanuatu. Preliminary study of needs and priorities

Geneva: ITU (2021), vi, 21 pp.

"The study identified resource gaps relating to broadband connectivity, affordability, digital literacy and skills, and priority digital services. It identified the need for reliable and quality telecommunication network coverage; digital literacy and skills training (sales and marketing resources a ... more

Download (23)

Connecting humanity: Assessing investment needs of connecting humanity to the Internet by 2030

Geneva: ITU (2020), vi, 25 pp.

"Nearly USD 428 billion is required to achieve universal access to broadband connectivity by 2030 at the global level. This amount includes significant investment in infrastructure, investments to design and implement policy and regulatory frameworks that incentivize and promote growth in broadband ... more

Download (16)

Women, ICT and Emergency Telecommunications: Opportunities and Constraints

Geneva: ITU (2020), x, 80 pp.

"In the 1991 cyclones that hit Bangladesh, 90 per cent of the 140 000 victims were women. In the deadly heat waves that hit France in 2003, most fatalities were elderly women. During the 2005 Hurricane Katrina emergency in New Orleans, most of the victims were Afro-American women and their children. ... more

Download (22)

Digital Regulation Handbook

Geneva: ITU (2020), xvi, 199 pp.

Download (20)

The Global E-waste Monitor 2020: Quantities, Flows, and the Circular Economy Potential

Vanessa Forti, Cornelis Peter Baldé, Ruediger Kuehr, Garam Bel

United Nations University (UNU); United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR); International Solid Waste Association (ISWA); ITU (2020), 119 pp.

"Higher levels of disposable incomes, growing urbanization and mobility, and further industrialization in some parts of the world are leading to growing amounts of EEE. On average, the total weight (excluding photovoltaic panels) of global EEE consumption increases annually by 2.5 million metric ton ... s (Mt). After its use, EEE is disposed of, generating a waste stream that contains hazardous and valuable materials. This waste stream is referred to as e-waste, or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), a term used mainly in Europe. This monitor provides the most comprehensive update of global e-waste statistics. In 2019, the world generated a striking 53.6 Mt of e-waste, an average of 7.3 kg per capita. The global generation of e-waste grew by 9.2 Mt since 2014 and is projected to grow to 74.7 Mt by 2030 – almost doubling in only 16 years. The growing amount of e-waste is mainly fueled by higher consumption rates of EEE, short life cycles, and few repair options. Asia generated the highest quantity of e-waste in 2019 at 24.9 Mt, followed by the Americas (13.1 Mt) and Europe (12 Mt), while Africa and Oceania generated 2.9 Mt and 0.7 Mt, respectively. Europe ranked first worldwide in terms of e-waste generation per capita, with 16.2 kg per capita. Oceania was second (16.1 kg per capita), followed by the Americas (13.3 kg per capita), while Asia and Africa generated just 5.6 and 2.5 kg per capita, respectively. In 2019, the formal documented collection and recycling was 9.3 Mt, thus 17.4% compared to e-waste generated. It grew with 1.8 Mt since 2014, an annual growth of almost 0.4 Mt. However, the total e-waste generation increased by 9.2 Mt, with an annual growth of almost 2 Mt. Thus the recycling activities are not keeping pace with the global growth of e-waste. The statistics show that in 2019, the continent with the highest collection and recycling rate was Europe with 42.5%, Asia ranked second at 11.7%, the Americas and Oceania were similar at 9.4% and 8.8%, respectively, and Africa had the lowest rate at 0.9%. The fate of 82.6% (44.3 Mt) of e-waste generated in 2019 is uncertain, and its whereabouts and the environmental impact varies across the different regions." (Executive summary, pages 13-14) more

Download (19)

Balancing Act: Countering Digital Disinformation While Respecting Freedom of Expression
Deep Insights

Kalina Bontcheva, Julie Posetti (eds.)

Geneva: Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development; ITU; UNESCO (2020), 346 pp.

"[This publication] uses the term ‘disinformation’ to describe false or misleading content with potentially harmful consequences, irrespective of the underlying intentions or behaviours in producing and circulating such messages. The focus is not on definitions, but on how States, companies, ins ... more

Download (21)

Digital Skills Assessment Guidebook

Geneva: ITU (2020), viii, 76 pp.

"This guidebook draws on, and complements, the ITU Digital Skills Toolkit published in 2018. Whereas the toolkit was designed to help policy-makers develop national digital skills strategies and roadmaps, this guidebook focuses on helping them identify national skills gaps and requirements, which ca ... more

Balancing Act: Countering Digital Disinformation While Respecting Freedom of Expression Deep Insights

Balancing Act: Countering Digital Disinformation While Respecting Freedom of Expression
Deep Insights