Rural Informatization in China

by Qiang, Christine Zhen-Wei; Bhavnani, Asheeta; Hanna, Nagy K.; Kimura, Kaoru; Sudan, Randeep

• ISBN13: 9780821380185
• ISBN10: 0821380184
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-07-01
• Publisher: World Bank

Summary

Rural Informatization in China is part of the World Bank Working Paper series. These papers are published to communicate the results of the Bank's ongoing research and to stimulate public discussion.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. v
Introduction	p. 1
Notes	p. 2
Development of China's Rural Information Infrastructure	p. 3
Fixed Line Telephony	p. 6
Mobile Telephony	p. 6
Radio and Television	p. 7
Internet	p. 7
Notes	p. 10
Rural Informatization Initiatives and Organizational Models	p. 11
Key Rural Information Actors and Initiatives	p. 11
Organizational Models for Rural Informatization	p. 14
Notes	p. 21
Lessons from International Experiences	p. 22
Government- and Donor-driven Initiatives and Sustainability	p. 22
Private Sector Participation	p. 24
The Appeal of the Franchise Model	p. 25
Hybrid Organizational Models	p. 28
Challenges for Rural Informatization in China	p. 30
Lack of a Coherent Strategy	p. 30
Weak Coordination across Ministries and Integration at the Provincial Level	p. 30
Unsustainable Business Models and Over-reliance on Government Financing	p. 32
Lack of Demand-Driven, Locally Relevant Information Resources	p. 32
Low Levels of Public Awareness and Capacity Building	p. 33
Weak Links to Domestic ICT Industry and Research and Development for Rural Applications	p. 34
Lack of Systematic Learning and Impact Evaluation	p. 34
Recommendations	p. 35
Formulate a Comprehensive and Coherent Strategy	p. 35
Support Innovative Business Models	p. 36
Consolidate and Share Resources	p. 37
Raise Public Awareness and Build Capacity	p. 38
Develop Intermediary Institutions and Networks	p. 38
Ensure Learning, Monitoring, and Evaluation	p. 39
Conclusions	p. 40
References	p. 42
Appendixes	p. 45
Central Government Strategies and Initiatives for Rural Informatization	p. 45
Notes	p. 51
Analysis of Eighteen Pilot Projects in China	p. 52
Impact Evaluation: Rationale, Definitions and Framework for Rural Informatization Pilots	p. 54
Note	p. 58
A Framework for Evaluation of Eighteen Pilot Projects	p. 59
Tables
Information Infrastructure Coverage in China, 2007	p. 6
Rural Informatization Initiatives by Central Ministries and Agencies	p. 11
Rural Informatization Problems and Attempted Solutions	p. 15
A Framework to Evaluate Project Impact	p. 57
Indicators to Assess Project Impact	p. 58
Figures
Ownership of Television in Urban and Rural Households, 1990-2006	p. 7
Internet Penetration in Urban and Rural China, 2005-07	p. 8
Personal Computer Ownership in Urban and Rural Households, 1999-2006	p. 9
Place of Internet Access, 2007	p. 9
Key Elements of Rural Informatization Pilot Initiatives	p. 15
Population and Investment Segmentation in China	p. 31
Developing Performance and Impact Indicators	p. 56
Boxes
Central Government Strategies for Rural Informatization, 2001 to Present	p. 5
Government Model	p. 16
Telecommunications Provider Model	p. 17
Professional Association/Cooperative Model	p. 18
Franchise/Entrepreneurial Model	p. 19
Private Sector Model	p. 20
Public Programs of Access Centers in Chile	p. 23
E-Choupal: An Evolving Infrastructure for Rural Transformation	p. 25
CDI: A Social Franchise Targeting Disadvantaged Urban Youth	p. 28
Gyandoot Program in India	p. 29
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