ICT4D and the capability approach: understanding how freedom of expression on ICTs affect human development at the country-level

The purpose of this paper is to examine freedom of expression on ICTs as a conversion factor that impacts the success of information and communication technology for development (ICT4D). Prior country-level econometric research on ICT4Ds has measured development using resource- or utilitarian-based approaches. We utilize the capability approach, a people-centered approach which presents the opportunity to look at conversion factors in a country. Using the capability approach framework, four country-level conversion factors of ICTs are identified as enablers/restrictors of either opportunity or process freedoms, and then are hypothesized with relation to human development. Using archival data and a 2SLS model, we test ICT cost, ICT infrastructure, and the interaction effect between e-participation and freedom of expression on ICTs to predict a country’s human development. Results suggest that both ICT cost and infrastructure significantly affect human development. Furthermore, freedom of expression only impacts human development with high levels of e-participation.