---------- Forwarded Message ---------- Subject: CfP Conference on ICTs and Development : New Opportunities, Persp ectives & Challenges Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2001 14:13:42 -0000 From: "Cushman,M" M.Cushman@LSE.AC.UK To: ISWORLD@LISTSERV.HEANET.IE

IFIP WG9.4 (Social Implications of Computers in Developing Countries)Conference

ICTs and Development : New Opportunities, Perspectives & Challenges

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore Bangalore, India May 29-31, 2002

FIRST CALL FOR PAPERS

IMPORTANT DATES Deadline for receipt of full papers: 31st August 2001 Notification of acceptance of papers: 31st December 2001 Camera Ready manuscript due from authors: 28th February 2002

Early encounters of developing countries with ICTs were characterized by uncertainty of meeting with an unfamiliar or alien tool and were distinguished by rare successes and apprehensions of increasing the developmental divide. Subsequently, as greater consensus emerged on the potential of these technologies, the focus was one of localizing associated methodologies and work practices. Increasingly, however, the potential for enablement and participation in new economic and governmental systems is visible. Some of these have been in terms of opportunities for developing countries provided by new economies for which the conference city of Bangalore with its cluster of software service providers and global software companies is a well-publicised example. At a micro level, ICTs are providing opportunities for individuals and small firms to participate in economies at a local or larger scale.

ICTs, in addition, provide the unique potential to enable and sustain communicative participatory processes at global and local levels. Increasing access to information and communication media has often enabled small groups and individuals to be heard on global debates and forums. They have enabled small cultural and ethnic groups to overcome disadvantages of physical distance. At a more local level they are enabling creation of a virtual 'public place' wherein effective democratic processes of public participation can take place. For instance, in many developing countries, local government authorities are actively considering using ICTs as a means to catalyse initiatives towards democratic decentralization and the empowerment of citizens to participate in the process of design and delivery of civic services. These attempts of using ICTs are part of a broader agenda of democratic reform in local governance and typically include a number of other initiatives such as the formation of decentralized committees, reforms in systems of administration and privatisation of civic services.

On the other hand, many of the old challenges in terms of inappropriate focus and resource allocation remain. The cost of missed opportunities is also increasing. Limitations of existing structures and decision making processes at higher levels in conjunction with greater demands placed on them increase the risk of a reverse spiral of enlarging deprivation. Addressing these challenges is an essential part of the ongoing debate. We aim to address these issues and also the evident tension that exists for developing countries as they try to balance global and local priorities through the adoption and use of ICTs.

Full details of subthemes and submission details available at http://is.lse.ac.uk/ifipwg94/Conference2002/first_call.htm

Mike Cushman [ mailto:m.cushman@lse.ac.uk] Information Manager Department of Information Systems London School of Economics, Houghton Street London WC2A 2AE Phone: +44 (0)20 7955 7426 Fax: +44 (0)20 7955 7385 http://is.lse.ac.uk/

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