Increasing Competitiveness in SIDS by Building ICT Resilience: An Extension of the Vulnerability Hypothesis Framework

Abstract

Catastrophic events resulting from natural and anthropogenic causes have exacted an enormous toll on small island developing states (SIDS) for many centuries. Several studies have provided useful insights into the identification of vulnerabilities as a means of reducing exposure and preparing for incidents, as well as to help manage the impact of these unavoidable disastrous events. However, the vulnerability hypothesis has largely concentrated on the exposure of countries to hazards that are caused by economic, social, and environmental conditions. In this article, we extend the analysis to incorporate, the deployment of information and communication technologies (ICT) in SIDS, the vulnerabilities associated with these ICT, and the impact they could have and, indeed, are having on other types of vulnerabilities. Firstly, we use Briguglio's (1997) normalization procedure to construct vulnerability indices for the three main tenets of vulnerability faced by SIDS; secondly, we formulate an ICT-specific vulnerability index (VI) through the identification of underlying factors that make up the sub-components of this intermediate composite index. Thirdly, elucidating the methodology of Krajnc and Glavi c (2005), we propose to merge the measurements of the two intermediate composite indices (the Societal VI and the ICT-specific VI) to produce a mega-composite ICT resilience index. Finally, in this conceptual article, we assess how the factors that contribute to ICT vulnerability could possibly be used to prescribe an ameliorative resilience regime that may assist in bolstering disaster preparedness in SIDS and, simultaneously, increase their ability to compete globally.

Assessing export competitiveness of food manufacturers in SIDS

“…While environmental, social and economic vulnerabities faced by SIDS have been outlined by authors such as Commosioung and Duggan (2008), this paper's focus is on SIDS' economic challenges, which include limited resources, undiversified economies, inability to achieve economies of scale, dependence on a few export products and high international transportation costs (van Der et al, 2007;Encontre, 1999).…”

Approaches to ICT for development (ICT4D): vulnerabilities vs. capabilities

“…The negative definition of 'susceptibility', however, describes the prediction of damage, bereavement and stoppage of income in a dire event (Wisner, 2002). Many studies have tried to develop policies and dimensions of vulnerability to identify resources to strengthen a community's ability to insure itself against such events (Commosioung and Duggan, 2008). For example, Alwang et al (2001) rationalised that ''households are vulnerable to suffering an undesirable outcome and this vulnerability comes from exposure to risk'' (p.2) while Ligon and Schechter (2003) proposed a simpler algorithm of vulnerability by totalling the exposures to ''i) aggregate risk, ii) idiosyncratic risk, and iii) unexplained risk, plus measurement error'' (p. C98).…”

“…Social vulnerability is mainly demonstrated in the reduction of asset possession because it often means lower opportunities for social mobility (Moser, 2001). Commosioung and Duggan (2008) suggested that indicators such as ''low-wage employment and unemployment, high levels of crime, comparatively high HIV/AIDS infection rates, and other indicators of impoverishment'', can also represent social vulnerability (p.398).…”

“…Environmental vulnerability refers not only to exposure to natural disasters, but also to human activities which make a country's natural surroundings susceptible to hostile environmental threats, such as the erosion of topsoil for farming or the situation of fishing communities next to tsunami-hit coasts (Kaly et al, 2003), producing serious threats to the lives of inhabitants and to economic development (Commosioung and Duggan, 2008). The following sections will highlight some of the practical uses of ICTs, grouped under Briguglio's (1997) vulnerabilities hypothesis.…”