Islands on the net: Technology and development futures in Pacific Island microstates.

摘要

This study is an attempt at understanding the dynamic inter-relationship between "development" (nebulously defined), "technology" (in all its forms), and the possible futures of societal change within the Pacific Islands. Following a general discussion of the dominant theories of development, a "new" model for explaining Pacific Islands development is presented. Delineated as the MIRAB model by its authors, it contends that the factors influencing the course of development in Pacific Island microstates is a dynamic function of labor migration, the sending back of remittances, the relatively large in-flows of aid, and the dominant role played by bureaucracy in the national economy. Thus, MIRAB is a near acronym reflecting these main conditioning factors; MIgration, Remittances, Aid and Bureaucracy. The Cook Islands and the Marshall Islands are presented as MIRAB case studies. The case studies are followed by a general definition of "technology" which sets the stage for a closer look at the perceived role of telecommunications technology in development. Synthesizing these discussions, an orientation to futures studies is presented and five alternative scenarios of technology and development for the Pacific Islands are discussed. Finally, this study concludes with a discussion of desirable or preferred futures and an admonition for linking long-range visions to short-range decisions.;The crux of the "development problem," and focal point of this analysis, is the way "development" is envisioned within the Pacific Islands (both as process and goal). This is influenced by who defines the "problem," how they define it, the perspective taken in seeking solutions and the course of action advocated. Since development is ultimately social change, the "development process" is also the process of realizing potential future societies. Thus, by nurturing an understanding of the existing situation, analyzing the causes of its evolution in a given direction, and the factors of change which may or can intervene to bring about given development futures, we come to understand our ever changing society and how we as individuals can influence its direction.