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Abstract
As the world economy begins to recover from one of the worst economic crises in decades along with environment degradation and uneven development of society, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is bound to play an increasingly central role in ensuring sustainability. The domain of ICT for sustainability (ICT4S) is still fragmented and fairly unexplored research area. The present paper attempts to understand the negative and positive impacts of these new technologies on the environmental, social and economic dimensions, and how we may use them for moving towards sustainable development.
Key words: ICT, environmental, social, economic and Sustainable Development
Along with the rapid growth of population and industrial output, world has also witnessed uneven development and severe environmental consequences of the chosen development paths. Techno-logy plays critical role in achieving the long-term balance between human development and the natural environment that is essential for sustainable development (Souter et al., 2010). The last decade are characterized by triple threats: the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, continuing food and fuel price fluctuations, and the effects of climate change. All these issues give raise to concept of sustainable development (SD). United Nation (UN) World Commission on Environment and Development (1987) define sustainable development that satisfies the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundland, 1987).
It is also widely recognized that new technologies, particularly ICTs, are having a major impact on economic and social relationships among individuals, communities and nations. Its unique function as a key element of infrastructure for efficient industries and a critical productivity enhancer is crucial for sustaining recovery and laying the foundations for economies that are competitive in the long term. As the world economy begins to recover from one of the worst economic crises in decades, information and communication technologies (ICT) is bound to play an increasingly central role in ensuring economic sustain-ability. Digitalization of economies is fundamental changes affecting the relationship between individual, changing our everyday life (such as: shopping, communications, transportation, enter-tainments, education, level and style of consumption), the business models, the way to think and act in policy and economies. Technology is also developing innovative solutions to diminish other sectors' energy consumption and improve environmental sustainability across...