Can ICT Economically Catalyze a Regional GDP Per Capita Convergence? − A Case Study of Major East Asian Countries −

ICT have played a significant role in the economic growth for developed and developing countries in the world and no region has been more dynamic in recent years than East Asia, which is one of the most important geographic regions based on ICT. In this point, firstly, historical background of major East Asian countries on ICT developments is given in this study by focusing on telecommunications sector. On the other hand, we examined Gross Domestic Product （GDP） per capita income distributions of major East Asian countries in our previous study and it is observed that there are some evidences for regional convergence as a weak Beta-convergence and a strong Sigma-convergence after 1992 within homogeneous regions of major East Asian countries. Even though there have been many important empirical and theoretical studies on GDP growth related with ICT in the literature, there is no specific focusing study on how ICT can affect GDP per capita convergence among countries and its correlations with GDP per capita growths within countries. For this reason, secondly, we used a sample equation for ICT developments for each country and analyzed the correlations of unit changes within countries according to the years that played an important part resulting in regional convergence in terms of Neoclassical Growth Model. As the methodology of the study, the multiple correlation coefficient （MCC） was used by indicating the standard coefficient of correlation. Also, multiple regression analysis of the study evaluated the value of the estimations on the dependent variables by using matrix data. Finally, as the findings it is observed that there is a remarkable correlation between GDP per capita growth and ICT developments of major East Asian Countries

A Statistical Analysis of lCT Developments and Regional GDP per capita Convergence in Major East Asian Countries

The remarkable development in [CT (Information and Communication Technology) was observed in the past decades that it has an increasing impact on economic and social activities in the wurld. Similarly, [CT have had a significant role in the economic growth for developed and developing countries. Therefore, no region has been more dynamic in recent years than East Asia, which is one of the most important geugraphic regions based un [CT. Addit.iunally, focusing on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita income distributions of East Asian countries in this study, it is also aimed to show that lCT and its components are closely linked with socio"economic components in macro and micro level, especially with GDP per capita components. In this regard, the Neoclassical Growth Model and its Convergence Theory are discusst'd to show the effects of [CT investments and developments as a catalyst factor that would increase the multi regional development achievements. Finally, in the light of analyses, it is observed in this study that there are some evidences for regional convergence as a weak Beta-convergence and a strong Sigma-convergence within homugeneous regions of East Asian countries in terms of GDP per capita income distributions

A comparative Study of Japan and the ROK on ICT and Economic Development: Lessons for Turkey

This study begins with the historical telecommunication backgrounds of Japan, ROK, and Turkey. These countries have similarities in the development of telecommunication sector throughout history including the privatization of the sector. However, a major dissimilarity appeared from use of the technologies and producing new technologies by the worldwide companies. The developments in ICT have strong relations with the socio-economic development of these countries. For this reason, this study focuses on; (i) economic development indicators, (ii) ICT indicators, and (iii) Principle Component Analyses. With the findings, it is aimed to find out applicable policies for Turkey. Finally, it is clearly observed that Turkey has great potential in the near future as a rapid developing country and a growing ICT market for foreign market players. However, Turkey also needs to create her own powerful and effective worldwide companies

Tourism Inventory of Okayama Prefecture: An Analysis on Main Sightseeing Spots in terms of the Number of Tourists

At the early stage of this paper, Okayama prefecture was analyzed by the author focusing on the tendency of main sightseeing-areas based on the number of tourists for three decades (Ichiminami, 2002). In this study, the main sightseeing spots in Okayama pref. are also examined and the developments are explained in a more detailed and updated perspective by extending over current features and the number of tourists. One of the important reasons in a significant increase in tourists in Okayama is the opening of the highways, the bullet train and cross-linking of the Seto Ohashi Bridge. At the same time, there are some waves in the increase or decrease of the tourist trends appearing from several vital developments such as environmental, climatic, social, economic and spatial. In this regard, research objectives of the study are mainly based on investigating and making a comprehensive study on main sightseeing spots in Okayama pref. to find new tourism values and to provide a tourism inventory of Okayama pref. by means of information, data and clues from the field in/between the tourist destinations such as hotel guests, gardens and castles. Therefore, Okayama pref. has a rich potential of historical and cultural heritage in terms of spatial planning and growth. The important point is that the structural adaptation between historical and cultural assets and the city life should be provided and protected for domestic and foreign tourism as much as creating better futures in health tourism, gastronomy tourism, cultural tourism, belief tourism, congress tourism, thematic tourism and local tourism