The development of informatization impacts all sectors, including agriculture. Agricultural informatization builds the knowledge linkage structures of agricultural innovation systems globally. This study investigated the global knowledge linkage structures in agricultural innovation pertinent to information technology (IT) for agricultural research and development (R&D) investments and activities. We explored the longitudinal trend of systemness within the networked research relationships in the triple helix (TH) of the university, industry and government (UIG). We collected data from publications in the Science Citation Index (SCI), the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), and the Arts and Humanities Citation Index (A&HCI) to analyze the TH network dynamics. We also performed a scientometrics analysis to quantitatively identify the knowledge and insights of global agricultural innovation structures. These results could be informative for individual countries. Our findings reveal that the global knowledge linkage structures in the agricultural sector that are pertinent to IT fluctuate widely and fail to increase the capacity of agricultural innovation research due to a neglect of the network effects of the TH dynamics of UIG.

In this knowledge based society, the debate on ICT has permanently shifted from ʻwhyʼ ICT for development, to ʻhowʼ comprehensive and holistic ICT policies can unleash human potential and enhance peopleʼs capabilities to improve their lives. Recognizing this untapped potential and development strategies incorporating ICT are being increasingly promoted and launched across the developing countries. While the potential advantages of ICT for development are enormous in developed countries, national policies of developing countries are yet to adequately reflect truly comprehensive and integrated strategies for harnessing and exploiting this potential. This paper presents an analysis of National ICT policy of Bangladesh. Through the examination of ICT policy, in particular in the field of agriculture and rural development and analysis of applied policies and strategies implemented in these area, this paper identifies challenges and opportunities which provides lessons for policy-makers and practitioners involved in the field. This analysis reveals that the policy is inadequate to impact positively on the agriculture and rural development of Bangladesh. The policy places little emphasis on the integration and infusion of ICT in the countryʼs agriculture and rural development. Policy implications and suggestions are offered to ensure maximum use of ICT potentials in the countryʼs agriculture and rural development.

Information and Communication Technology is now widely accepted by developing countries as a development tool in their efforts to alleviate poverty, enhance human development, and achieve Millennium Development Goals. Recognizing this untapped potential and development strategies incorporating ICT are being increasingly promoted and launched across the developing countries requiring a comprehensive ICT policy that plays a crucial rule, in particular, in the area of agriculture and rural development. While the potential advantages of ICT for development are enormous in developed countries, national policies of developing countries are yet to adequately reflect truly comprehensive and integrated strategies for harnessing and exploiting this potential. This paper tries to provide implication of ICT policy to the agriculture and rural development in developing countries, in particular through lessons learned from European Union (EU) IT policy. Through the examination of vital projects in the agriculture and rural development sectors and case study analysis of applied policies and strategies implemented in the European Union, this paper provides tangible examples and lessons for policy-makers and practitioners involved in the field. Hence, this study provides policy-makers the necessary tools, information and knowledge to facilitate the formulation and adoption of ICT policies and strategies in the agriculture and rural development sector.