700 word discussion: from this context, what is the functional role

Chapter 19 – The digital divide remains formidable in scaling information and communication technology (ICT)-enabled opportunities for effective leadership and development in countries lagging behind, (Ahmed, 2015).  Based on the case study, the authors reminded us that, the practice of e-Participation provides an avenue for adaptation, application, and utilization of ICT as a subset of e-Commerce, in the realm of e-Democracy and, it is a concept needed to bridge the existing digital gap within and across countries in a global context. 

From the chapter, we learned that as the world moves at a faster and voluminous pace, there is a need to acquire technology and the skill to use it, as is increasing at the rate beyond those societies that are unable to remedy their inadequacies.  However, the challenges to meet this pressure could be enormous, but not insurmountable, and the means to address such challenges are abundantly available in ICT-supported processes like e-Participation.   

Question:  From this context, what is the functional role of the ICT? Identify and name the functional role of the ICT, and provide a narrative to support your response.