Planning for sustainable development in the emerging information societies

Purpose – This research work aims to investigate the recent status of the information and communication technology (ICT) services industry in Iran. It proposes a systemic applicable approach at policymaking level and appropriate strategic planning steps to enlighten developing countries toward achieving their target objectives of an information society. Design/methodology/approach – Largely based on existing literature and usage statistics in ICT services, global technology trends and results from a survey to obtain consistent and up-to-date information about current issues of ICT services in the public and private sectors in Iran. Findings – This study elaborates on all issues, points and best practices relevant to the ICT services industry in Iran which is addressed by recommending some documented policies. Research limitations/implications – Majority of the experts who attended the workshop and responded to the questionnaire were service consumers rather than service providers. Practical implications – This paper discusses some of the implications for the development of this ICT services strategy and provides policy recommendations. Social implications – To enhance the information society with the most advanced ICT services for accelerating human development. Originality/value – This study provides a government refining process policy to address the common gaps in the ICT services industry in these developing countries and emphasizes a formidable policy foundation before implementing and monitoring of the Flagship ICT projects.