Research for ICT4D

ICT4D

ICT4D stands for Information Communication Technology For Development. The main examples usually are mobile phone applications or Internet to boost sustainable development especially for the poor in developing countries. A technically driven wave of ICT4D in the last decade mainly failed to reach this goal [1, 2].

Two common examples are usually adduced to support this claim. An initiative to establish tele-centers aimed to educate and empower citizens by providing public access to information and communication technologies. Lack of sustainable funding, lack of local technological support and infrastructure as well as lack of demand resulted in a failure of the project. Also the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) initiative to equip children in developing countries with a robust laptop with learning software stayed behind its goals. The project suffered from technical problems, unsustainable power generation with worn out solar mats and required Internet access for many functions. Moreover, both projects can be questioned whether they are using aid most effectively. Are the most severe problems tackled? Or could aid be used more effectively in other (non-technological) projects?