Information Technology in Transition Economies

Abstract

The break-up of the Soviet Union resulted in many formerly centrally planned and highly controlled economies to experience radical reforms that fully changed the business landscape. With these political and economic changes, many businesses and organizations in transition economies not only experienced major restructuring, but also acquired increased access to modern information technology (IT). Though much of the development in transition economies is supported by IT, there is not much published research dealing with the role of IT specifically in transition economies. The objective of this special issue is to stimulate research in this important area. In the introduction to this special issue, distinctive business and social conditions in transition economies, and the potential impacts of such conditions on IT use, as well as factors which may inhibit research of IT in transition economies are discussed.