Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) refers to the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the fields of socioeconomic development, international development and human rights. The theory behind this is that more and better information and communication furthers the development of a society.
Aside from its reliance on technology, ICT4D also requires an understanding of community development, poverty, agriculture, healthcare, and basic education. The term ICT4D contains a divisive disciplinary discussion by Richard Heeks. According to Heeks, the I, is related with “library and information sciences”, the C is associated with “communication studies", the T is linked with “information systems", and the D for “development studies”. It is aimed at bridging the digital divide and aid economic development by fostering equitable access to modern communications technologies. It is a powerful tool for economic and social development.
Other terms can also be used for "ICT4D" or "ICT4Dev" ("ICT for development") like ICTD ("ICT and development", which is used in a broader sense) and development informatics.
ICT4D can mean as dealing with disadvantaged populations anywhere in the world, but it is more seen with applications in developing countries. It concerns with directly applying information technology approaches to poverty reduction. ICTs can be applied directly, wherein its use directly benefits the disadvantaged population, or indirectly, wherein it can assist aid organisations or non-governmental organizations or governments or businesses to improve socio-economic conditions.
The field is an interdisciplinary research area through the growing number of conferences, workshops and publications. This is partly due to the need for scientifically validated benchmarks and results, that can measure the effectiveness of current projects. This field has also produced an informal community of technical and social science researchers which rose out of the annual ICT4D conferences.
Read more about Information And Communication Technologies For Development: Theoretical Background, History, Values Framework, ICT and Use of Technology, ICT For Weather Forecasting, ICT For People With Disabilities, ICT For Education, ICT For Livelihood, ICT For Agriculture, ICT4D and Mobile Technologies, ICT4D and Other Sectoral Applications, ICT4D in The Philippines, Opportunities, Impact Assessment On ICT4D, Criticisms/Challenges, Funding ICT4D 2.0
Famous quotes containing the words information and/or development:
“I have all my life been on my guard against the information conveyed by the sense of hearing—it being one of my earliest observations, the universal inclination of humankind is to be led by the ears, and I am sometimes apt to imagine that they are given to men as they are to pitchers, purposely that they may be carried about by them.”
—Mary Wortley, Lady Montagu (1689–1762)
“There are two things which cannot be attacked in front: ignorance and narrow-mindedness. They can only be shaken by the simple development of the contrary qualities. They will not bear discussion.”
—John Emerich Edward Dalberg, 1st Baron Acton (1834–1902)