The Academy Module on Frontier ICTs for Sustainable Development for Digital Leaders aims to provide the technological overview and considerations, potential policy recommendations, and international cooperation agenda for the adoption of Frontier ICTs for digital leaders in developing countries to unlock the full potential of Frontier ICTs. In this prospect, the entire module consists of an overview of Frontier ICTs and three submodules. In the future, new submodules can be added as needed to cover new emerging technologies.
The overview module covers the definition, scope, and common features of frontier ICTs, as well as barriers and risks of scaling frontier ICTs. It also covers the key areas for policymaking and international cooperation that policymakers should consider from a national perspective for the promotion and development of frontier ICTs.
The submodules address three technologies, i.e. Artificial intelligence, Blockchain, and the Internet of Things, respectively. Each submodule provides an overview of the technology, the impact of the technology on the Sustainable Development Goals, challenges and risks, the status of the technology-related policies. Cases are also reviewed, drawing on policy recommendations and international cooperation agenda for maximizing the development and utilization of the technology.