An Assessment of ICT Infrastructure, Deployment and Applications in the Science and Technology (S&T) Research Institutions in Ghana

Abstract

The paper discusses the ICT infrastructure as far as the availability of (computers, local or wide area networks, Internet connectivity and its reliability, size of the bandwidth and its optimization, etc.) in the S&T research institution. It also examined the profile of the research scientists and looked at the type of ICT infrastructure that is available for their use as well as the reliability of the Internet connectivity within these research institutions. It looked at the broadband capacities of the research institutions and the ICT capabilities in respect of the technical and managerial support back-up that are available to the research institutions. The study used the survey research method with a questionnaire as well as personal observation to gather the data. From the data gathered, it was realized that the internet connectivity and the size of the bandwidth that the R&D institutions subscribed to differed significantly. Again, the extent to which the research scientists were able to access the internet in their respective institutions depended on the quality of the local network in place. Generally, the investments in ICT were made for different management objectives, and these were meant to facilitate the generation of new knowledge as well as make measurable improvements in R&D activities.