Tim Unwin
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198795292
- eISBN:
- 9780191836589
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198795292.003.0004
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Information Technology
This chapter examines the evolution of the idea of partnerships in ICT4D initiatives. It begins with an overview of the emergence of partnerships in the context of the neoliberal shift in the balance ...
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This chapter examines the evolution of the idea of partnerships in ICT4D initiatives. It begins with an overview of the emergence of partnerships in the context of the neoliberal shift in the balance of influence between states and the private sector, and the interests underlying the idea of public–private partnerships (PPPs). It suggests that many such PPPs fail because they do not sufficiently involve civil society, and indeed that civil society is often specifically excluded. Nevertheless, multi-sector partnerships remain a valuable means of implementing ICT initiatives for the poorest and most marginalized, and the chapter therefore concludes by exploring models and success factors for their implementation.Less
This chapter examines the evolution of the idea of partnerships in ICT4D initiatives. It begins with an overview of the emergence of partnerships in the context of the neoliberal shift in the balance of influence between states and the private sector, and the interests underlying the idea of public–private partnerships (PPPs). It suggests that many such PPPs fail because they do not sufficiently involve civil society, and indeed that civil society is often specifically excluded. Nevertheless, multi-sector partnerships remain a valuable means of implementing ICT initiatives for the poorest and most marginalized, and the chapter therefore concludes by exploring models and success factors for their implementation.
Tim Unwin
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198795292
- eISBN:
- 9780191836589
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198795292.003.0007
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Information Technology
This concluding chapter highlights some of the most important changes that need to be made in ICT4D policies and practices if these technologies are to be used to empower poor and marginalized people ...
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This concluding chapter highlights some of the most important changes that need to be made in ICT4D policies and practices if these technologies are to be used to empower poor and marginalized people and communities. These include the development of innovative pro-poor technologies, a reorientation of government policy and international agendas away from economic growth and towards the reduction of inequality, the use of effective multi-sector partnerships in support of the poorest, increased dialogue between governments and citizens with respect to security and privacy, greater attention to the creation of more resilient infrastructures, enhanced learning for all stakeholders, and a comprehensive focus on working with poor people rather than for them.Less
This concluding chapter highlights some of the most important changes that need to be made in ICT4D policies and practices if these technologies are to be used to empower poor and marginalized people and communities. These include the development of innovative pro-poor technologies, a reorientation of government policy and international agendas away from economic growth and towards the reduction of inequality, the use of effective multi-sector partnerships in support of the poorest, increased dialogue between governments and citizens with respect to security and privacy, greater attention to the creation of more resilient infrastructures, enhanced learning for all stakeholders, and a comprehensive focus on working with poor people rather than for them.
Tim Unwin
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198795292
- eISBN:
- 9780191836589
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198795292.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Information Technology
The development of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) has transformed the world over the last two decades. These technologies are often seen as being inherently ‘good’, with the ...
More
The development of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) has transformed the world over the last two decades. These technologies are often seen as being inherently ‘good’, with the ability to make the world better, and in particular to reduce poverty. However, their darker side is frequently ignored in such accounts. ICTs undoubtedly have the potential to reduce poverty, for example by enhancing education, health delivery, rural development, and entrepreneurship across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. However, all too often, projects designed to do so fail to go to scale, and are unsustainable when donor funding ceases. Indeed, ICTs have actually dramatically increased inequality across the world. Those with access to the latest technologies and the ability to use them effectively can indeed transform their lives, but those who are left without access have become increasingly disadvantaged and marginalized. The central purpose of this book is to account for why this is so, and it does so primarily by laying bare the interests that have underlain the dramatic expansion of ICTs in recent years. Unless these are fully understood, it will not be possible to reclaim the use of these technologies to empower the world’s poorest and most marginalized. The book is grounded in the Critical Theory of Jürgen Habermas, drawing especially on his notions of knowledge constitutive interests, and a particular conceptualization of the relationship between theory and practice. The book espouses the view that development is not just about economic growth, but must also address questions of inequality.Less
The development of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) has transformed the world over the last two decades. These technologies are often seen as being inherently ‘good’, with the ability to make the world better, and in particular to reduce poverty. However, their darker side is frequently ignored in such accounts. ICTs undoubtedly have the potential to reduce poverty, for example by enhancing education, health delivery, rural development, and entrepreneurship across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. However, all too often, projects designed to do so fail to go to scale, and are unsustainable when donor funding ceases. Indeed, ICTs have actually dramatically increased inequality across the world. Those with access to the latest technologies and the ability to use them effectively can indeed transform their lives, but those who are left without access have become increasingly disadvantaged and marginalized. The central purpose of this book is to account for why this is so, and it does so primarily by laying bare the interests that have underlain the dramatic expansion of ICTs in recent years. Unless these are fully understood, it will not be possible to reclaim the use of these technologies to empower the world’s poorest and most marginalized. The book is grounded in the Critical Theory of Jürgen Habermas, drawing especially on his notions of knowledge constitutive interests, and a particular conceptualization of the relationship between theory and practice. The book espouses the view that development is not just about economic growth, but must also address questions of inequality.
