Why infoDev?

ICTs, if grounded in local realities, can be powerful development tools

ICTs are widely seen as essential to helping developing countries achieve the kind of economic transformation and social empowerment seen in OECD countries.  Yet the unique environments in developing countries preclude the use of a “follow the leader” approach.  Different stages of economic development, and varied policy, regulatory and private-sector environments, lead to substantially different patterns of ICT distribution cost and use.  Designing ICT approaches relevant to developing countries requires a firm grounding in the realities of these countries, and considerable experimentation.

Development leaders require better information on the optimal uses of ICT for development

In the early 1990’s, the ICT-for-development field experienced a “bubble” of excessive optimism and enthusiasm which mirrored the broader technology boom of the times.  This led to a proliferation of pilot projects of unproven sustainability and scalability, with unclear impacts on the key development goals of fighting poverty and promoting broad-based, sustainable development.  Policymakers in developing countries and the donor agencies who assist them need better access to rigorous evidence, policy guidance and good practices in harnessing ICTs as tools of economic and social development.

The development community requires efficient tracking of rapid ICT advancements

Keeping abreast of the constantly changing ICT sector requires cutting-edge research and analysis, and relies on flexibility and effective partnerships with public and private sector organizations who are the main drivers of ICT innovations.  With limited resources, development leaders need methods of common support for and access to increasing global knowledge of the latest and best uses of ICT for development.