Various issues were raised and questions posed:
· One focus was theorisation:
o How do we theorise ICT4D so as to include issues such as trust, ‘corruption’, the role of vendors; the issues of donor driven aid (to take just four examples)?
o Should more interdisciplinary research be encouraged so that theorisation is informed by other specialists working together with ICT4D researchers?
o Should theoretical concerns be driven more from empirical and practical development concerns rather than re-formulating these pressing issues as sites for the application of existing (and often high level) theorisation?
o Include in our discussion questions about effective theorisation: what level of theory? How theoretical propositions may be developed?
· A second issue was of publication:
o How can ICT4D research establish a higher profile?
o Should that be by growing existing specialist journals? (general consensus was that that was difficult and would run the risk of losing the distinctiveness and breadth of the three well known specialist journals: Electronic journal of information systems in developing countries; Information Technologies and International Development; Information Technology for Development.)
· A third issue was of engagement:
o Should 9.4 extend its role by enabling partnerships and engagement with policy making bodies such as the World Health Organisation?
o Should 9.4 more actively encourage the formulation of projects amongst its members and with outside groups to research and engage on specific issues/themes?
The second half of the discussion focused more on the existing/desired characteristics and role of 9.4 going forward. This was reformulated as a number of points and specific recommendations which were put to the business meeting.
Proposals discussed and agreed at the IFIP9.4 Business Meeting 25th May 2011 in Kathmandu, Nepal
· The group does and should engage researchers and practitioners in ICT4D from both the global south and global north
The formation of regions within 9.4 was proposed and accepted. Each region will have a regional vice chair and a board of up to 4 members. These positions will run for a two year period from one biennial conference to the next. Their role is to organise regional meetings, workshops, activities, and initiatives which may also be of interest to the wider 9.4 group. The groups can be as active or as inactive as they wish. The suggested regions are:
Sub Saharan Africa
Middle East
Indian sub continent
East and South East Asia
Europe
Australasia and Oceania
Latin America
Caribbean
North America
Regional vice chairs will become members of the 9.4 board (which will comprise of them, the chair, the secretary, the PhD organiser (see below); the organisers of the last 9.4 conference and the organisers of the next 9.4 conference).
· The group’s focus in on ICTs and Development. This involves an understanding of technology, its implications, an expertise in the contexts of their design, deployment, and longer term use which can be a multidisciplinary endeavour and encompasses an ethical sensitivity and understanding of these issues.
· The group builds on a long tradition of reflective research published in highly regarded journals (in which we want to develop the presence of the area), in specialist ICT4D journals which we want to encourage and support, and in the necessary conference papers, working papers, teaching cases that all promote and develop the area.
It was agreed that 9.4 will encourage its membership to promote ICT4D research in all areas of research output and engagement through special issues; regional workshops; and other appropriate means
· The group has a strong interest in the practical interventions and outcomes of ICT4D. It encourages action research (though naturally suspicious of certain types of consultancy), the formulation of thematic priorities; the creation of projects which it can support; the engagement with other interested and relevant policy bodies (usually at regional level).
It was agreed that 9.4 will encourage regional groups to develop their capacity in this area and actively assist in the formulation of thematic priorities and projects.
· The group has a long standing interest in developing the research and action based research capacity of all its members and the wider community.
It was agreed that a PhD 9.4 vice chair is proposed whose role is to co-ordinate and to develop the interests of those training in the subject area. This will be a 2 year appointment and the post holder will also be a member of the 9.4 board. |
