Diffusion of ICT from the view of ICT generation: The experience in the UK during the 1980s

This paper aims to provide a better understanding about how Information and Communication technology (ICT) has diffused. The investigation is conducted with the consideration of ICT evolution in terms of technological change and usage pattern. The definition used is presented as 'the ICT is a process of convergence of technologies between information-processing and information-transforming technologies, mainly due to the advent of microelectronlcs'. After examining technological changes of ICT, the diffusion path of ICT is traced through the usage ratio in total input and/or investment based on Input-Output tables (I-O). It shows that the evolution of ICT from the change of usage pattern is an up-and-down usage pattern rather than a uni-modal usage time path. With this recognition, the diffusion index is prepared. JEL classification : C43, L63, O33.