Rapid advances in information technology (IT) and the resulting global connectivity are fueling dynamic growth in the services sector. Demand for IT and IT-enabled services (ITES) is estimated to represent a $500 billion annual market, of which only about 20 percent has been realized. Thus, this sector is creating new opportunities for economic growth, social empowerment, and grassroots innovation in developing countries. The potential for employment for youth and women is a particular ben...

This book aims to help policy makers take advantage of the opportunities presented by the global IT services and IT-enabled services (ITES) industry. It analyzes factors crucial to a country's competitiveness-including skills, cost, infrastructure, business environment; and presents a Location Readiness Index (LRI) as a diagnostic tool for developing countries. It also discusses policy options for enabling growth in IT/ITES industries.