Abstract:
The ITU ICT Development Index (IDI) is a unique benchmark of the level of ICT development in countries across the world. The IDI combines eleven indicators on ICT access, use and skills, capturing key aspects of ICT development in one measure that allows for comparisons to be made between countries and over time. IDI 2017 covers 176 economies worldwide. Comparison with IDI 2016 shows that progress has continued to be made in ICT access and use in almost all countries. However, it also demonstrates that there are still great disparities in ICT development between more and less connected countries which need to be addressed if inclusive information societies are to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development and other international goals.