Barriers to Green ICT Adoption in Romania.

The efficient use and disposal of digital technologies are key factors in economic and social development. The concerns regarding the development and use of information and communication technologies (ICT), without negative influences on the environment, known as green ICT, have increased in recent decades. One explanation for this is the exponential increase in the number of users and connected devices, resulting in the consumption of more energy, as well as the generation of more CO2 emissions and more e-waste. In order to prevent an ecological disaster, governmental organizations, companies and individuals have to adhere to green ICT practices, to select hardware and software based on green criteria and to be involved in green ICT innovation. These concerns vary from one country to another and from one region to another, depending on the respective e-waste regulations and their application, research and development (R&D) expenditure, ICT skills, the level of education of citizens, popular culture and habits, living standards, etc. The paper presents three important barriers to green ICT adoption and development in Romania: ewaste recycling and reuse, R&D expenditure, and digital skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]