The speed and cost effectiveness of new information technology has prompted many to view these innovations as a panacea for social and economic development. However, such a view flies in the face of continuing inequities in education, health, food, and infrastructure. This volume explores these issues - along with questions of access, privilege, literacy, training, and the environmental and health effects of information technologies in the developing world - arguing that a higher level of development does not always result from a higher level of technologization.

The speed and cost effectiveness of new information technology has prompted many to view these innovations as a panacea for social and economic development. However, such a view flies in the face of continuing inequities in education, health, food, and infrastructure. This volume explores these issues - along with questions of access, privilege, literacy, training, and the environmental and health effects of information technologies in the developing world - arguing that a higher level of development does not always result from a higher level of technologization.

'Middle East' (West Asia) perspectives on technology innovation leadership bring new voices to the technology innovation discourse in international development. The approaches of technology innovation leaders in this collection demonstrate commitment to building sustainable futures among the communities in which the authors live. There is a scarcity of technology innovation perspectives from within 'Middle East (West Asia) perspectives and the initiatives and endeavours of the innovation leaders in this book have global appeal. Other developing community innovators are inspired to compete globally as they explore future oriented sustainable innovation solutions that are context specific. Innovation and technology leadership in areas such as e-government and e-commerce are national priorities for countries such as Saudi Arabia. While there is a dense literature available on innovation diffusion in other developing community contexts (for example South Asia, the Asia Pacific region, Africa and Latin America), this book fills the gaps in the literature on 'Middle East' (West Asia) perspectives on innovation technology diffusion in developing community contexts.

Innovation has enjoyed increased attention due to its contribution towards wealth creation and international competitiveness. Linkages among networks of organizations, including businesses, governments and universities, have emerged as fundamental in the innovation process. By integrating the technology transfer and network literatures, this study contributes insights into key management factors operating in such networks. Based on both qualitative and quantitative research, the study pioneers a pertinent methodology and scales to measure the effectiveness of processes in innovation networks. Results are based on several prominent industries including information and communications technology, biotechnology and nanotechnology. This inter-disciplinary study will be of great interest to practitioners and researchers in the fields of Innovation, Technology, Management and Marketing. It will also be especially useful for innovation and technology policy makers, managers, consultants, and network researchers, or appeal to anyone else seeking to improve their collaboration and innovation activities.