Layers of digital infrastructure challenges that require a policy response

From: “Digital Economy Policy in Developing Countries” briefing document

Read at: diode.network/publications/

#DigitalPolicy #ICT4D

Publications DIODE Briefings 1. Digital Economy Policy in Developing Countries: Strategy Brief 2. Digital Economies and Development: A Research Agenda DIODE Working Papers 1. Defining, Conceptualising and Measu…

How should governments in developing countries design digital economy policy?
Our paper reviews the main challenges holding back digital economies, and the policy responses needed for inclusive growth.
Read the paper: diode.network/publications/
#DigitalEconomy #ICT4D

How should developing countries design digital economy policy?

This paper outlines key challenges – digital infrastructure, ecosystem capacity, and digital harms – and maps policy responses for inclusive digital growth

Read: diodeweb.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/digi...

#DigitalEconomy #ICT4D

How do universities reform computing degrees in developing countries?

This 3-minute video summarises our research on curriculum change in African universities and what happens when global curriculum designs meet local realities.

Watch here: youtu.be/qkjA_EOVTDU
#ICT4D

New video: a 3-minute summary of our research on changing computing curricula in African universities and the challenges of implementation using the design–reality gap framework.

Watch here: youtu.be/qkjA_EOVTDU

#ICT4D #HigherEducation #DesignRealityGap

Contextual Barriers to Health Information Systems Optimization in Underserved Communities in Kenya: Qualitative Study Informed by Frugal Innovation and Information and Communication Technologies for Development Background: Health information systems (HISs) are essential for strengthening health systems in underserved areas. However, many HISs in Africa are still in the early stages of implementation, and existing systems often suffer from imbalances in data availability. Their optimization is faced with various challenges, including limited resources, which restricts their scalability. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify contextual barriers that hinder the optimization of HIS in African underserved settings. Specifically, the study adopts the lens of frugal innovation (FI) and information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) to explore ways to enhance the quality of health care delivery for low-income populations. Methods: A qualitative research approach involving 32 participants was used. The study was guided by the central theme: contextual barriers and challenges hindering the optimization of HISs. Results: Four major thematic categories emerged from the data: HIS contextualization, health system factors, service provider issues, and HIS integration. The findings offer valuable insights that can contribute to transforming HISs in underserved settings and improving health care quality. Conclusions: The findings reflect stakeholder experiences in underserved communities in Nairobi, Kenya, and may be transferable to similar settings, subject to local governance, resources, and workflows. Despite the transformative potential of HISs in low- and middle-income countries, progress remains limited due to poor digital infrastructure and contextual barriers resulting in minimal impact from capital-intensive digital health investments and persistent data challenges. Using FI and ICT4D lenses, 4 key barriers were identified: health system, HIS contextualization, HIS integration, and HIS service provider. Rethinking HIS strategies through FI and ICT4D can enable affordable and sustainable, user-centered solutions. Future research should test scalability, sustainability, and interoperability impact in diverse settings.

JMIR Formative Res: Contextual Barriers to Health Information Systems Optimization in Underserved Communities in Kenya: Qualitative Study Informed by Frugal Innovation and Information and Communication Technologies for… #HealthSystems #HealthInformation #FrugalInnovation #ICT4D #KenyaHealth

Why do so many development projects fail?

We know surprisingly little about what actually happens during implementation. My new video explains how actor-network theory reveals the hidden politics of project practice: youtu.be/pl0mjAKH-ik

#ICT4D #DevelopmentStudies

Nakaseke Public Library 🇺🇬 has introduced coding lessons for children in partnership with Be Well Child Initiative #Uganda. Inspired by a study visit to Romania through EIFL IYALI programme, children are now learning Scratch and programming robots. #ICT4D #DigitalTransformation

Latest four podcasts on Digital Inclusion in an Unequal World (Episodes 7-10) The ICT4D Collective has recently launched a podcast channel on Apple Podcasts which contains audio versions of the vignettes in my upcoming book Digital Inclusion in an Unequal World: An Emancipatory Manifesto. The third tranche of episodes (7-10) is now … Continue reading →

Thank you #UNUMERIT instructors for leading such an engaging masterclass covering the latest expert global insights & case studies & to other attendees for #knowledgesharing
#AIforGood #Connect2030 #ICT4D #DigitalDivide #2030Agenda #DigitalPolicy

@ununiversity.bsky.social
@maastrichtu.bsky.social

📢 CFP Reminder: “Digital Data & Technologies in Upland and Mountain Regions” track 🌄

Seeking papers on GIS, remote sensing, data justice, digital inclusion, and more in #mountain regions; deadline 7th Jan for May 2026 #ICT4D conference in Kathmandu

Details: ifip94.ku.edu.np
#MountainTech

Pre-launch at ITCILO for “Digital Inclusion in an Unequal World” I am so very grateful to Tom Wambeke and the team at the Innovation Lab at the ITCILO (International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation) who hosted a pre-launch event for my upcoming book, Digitial Inclusion in an Unequal … Continue reading →

Top 15 Digital Development Blogs Focused on ICT4D for LMICs - ICTworks ICTworks: best digital development bog, balancing strong, current health, education, agriculture, AI practical guides with rigorous critique

Top 15 #ICT4D blogs

www.ictworks.org/top-15-digit...

New video: How ICTs empower micro, small & medium enterprises

See how digital tools can improve market access, boost competitiveness, and support poverty reduction: youtu.be/qDAA1vVN6eE

#ICT4D #MSMEs #InclusiveGrowth

Next three podcasts on Digital Inclusion in an Unequal World (episodes 4-6) The ICT4D Collective has recently launched a podcast channel on Apple Podcasts which contains audio versions of the vignettes in my upcoming book Digital Inclusion in an Unequal World: An Emancipatory Manifesto. The second three episodes are now available as … Continue reading →

Discover how ICTs help #MSMEs reduce poverty and strengthen local economies

📽️ This 3-minute video breaks down the UNIDO framework on digital tools, enterprise growth, and inclusive development: youtu.be/qDAA1vVN6eE

#ICT4D #PovertyReduction #DigitalInclusion

Postgraduate research | CDD | The University of Manchester Explore postgraduate research opportunities at Manchester University's CDD. Advance your academic journey with our diverse programs. Apply now!

#PhD Studies with Centre for Digital Development at Univ. Manchester

We seek high-quality PhD candidates with distinction-level Masters to research #ICT4D / digital development

Priority topics for Sept 2026, scholarship possibilities, entry criteria at: www.cdd.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgr...

ICTs, MSMEs and Poverty Reduction: A Framework for Action When I first began researching the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in development, I was struck by a disconnect. On the one hand, the transformative potential of ICTs in c…

#MSMEs drive jobs, skills & innovation

My latest blogpost explores how ICTs—from mobiles to e-commerce—can boost their role in poverty reduction: ict4dblog.wordpress.com/2025/10/27/i...

#DigitalInclusion #ICT4D

Measuring the Link Between #ICT4D and #Resilience

How can we measure the connection between ICT-for-development and resilience?

📺 This short video summarises one approach based on the RABIT model applied via action research: youtu.be/7ZPFwhS23rk

#DigitalDevelopment

Applying Data Justice

How can you put the idea of #datajustice into practice?

📺 This short presentation outlines a conceptual model of data justice and shows how it can be applied: youtu.be/WEodZscsSUo

#ICT4D #DataForDevelopment

CFP: From Critique to Hope and Optimism: Frameworks, Methodologies and Directions for ‘Positive Digital Development’ Call for papers for track “From Critique to Hope and Optimism: Frameworks, Methodologies and Directions for ‘Positive Digital Development’” for the international conference, “Reorienting the Digita…

Call for papers: From Critique to Hope and Optimism – Frameworks, Methodologies & Directions for Positive Digital Development

IFIP WG 9.4 Conference, Kathmandu, May 2026. Deadline 7 Jan 2026. #ICT4D #DigitalHope

👉 ict4dblog.wordpress.com/2025/11/12/c...

Understanding the context for ICT use in #MSMEs

The “onion-ring” model helps analyse the overall context for application of ICTs in enterprises

For more detail, see: research.manchester.ac.uk/files/163280...

#PovertyReduction #ICT4D

Pleased to be cited by peers #ResearchImpact #PeerInfluence #ICT4D

How can ICTs add value to #MSMEs?

Our value chain model shows 4 areas of information needs – supply, demand, operating environment, internal processes – that are a foundation for prioritising ICT application

For more detail, see: research.manchester.ac.uk/files/163280...

#DigitalInclusion #ICT4D

How is my support of a real and promising alternative to factory farming any indication of my opinions on poverty?

My background is in #ICT4D. Go away.

Also see my list of United Nations initiatives launched through 2018 to promote the use of computers, feature phones, smart phones and various networked devices in development and humanitarian activities ( #Tech4Good / #ICT4D Initiatives).
#History
www.coyotebroad.com/development/...
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Checklist for Digital-Transformation-for-Development (#DX4D) Research

📺 This short video offers seven questions to ask yourself if you are undertaking research on digital transformation for development: youtu.be/g5IhLNu11j8

#DigitalDevelopment #ICT4D

ICTs, MSMEs and Poverty Reduction: A Framework for Action When I first began researching the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in development, I was struck by a disconnect. On the one hand, the transformative potential of ICTs in c…

ICTs can reduce poverty by strengthening MSMEs . . . but only if interventions are tailored

In my new blogpost, I share a framework on how ICTs empower enterprises differently: ict4dblog.wordpress.com/2025/10/27/i...

#ICT4D #MSMEs #PovertyReduction

Our podcast on Digital Inclusion in an Unequal World The ICT4D Collective has recently launched a podcast channel on Apple Podcasts which contains audio versions of the vignettes in my upcoming book Digital Inclusion in an Unequal World: An Emancipatory Manifesto. The first three episodes are now available as … Continue reading →