th t f ict4d hthe prospects of ict4d research · idc, auckland, 3 dec, 2012, ahmed imran. thank you...

Th t f ICT4D hThe prospects of ICT4D research

Dr Ahmed ImranUNSW Canberra

IDC, Auckland, 3 Dec, 2012

Brain drain...

Need reverse engineering...

UNSW@ADFA, 14 Feb 2012IDC, Auckland, 3 Dec, 2012, Ahmed Imr

Why ICT4D research?

• is ‘relevant’ to the LDCs (Walsham & Sahay, 2006) • is a strategic tool for poverty alleviation (World bank,

2005) • Has ‘broadest potential impact’ where majority 75%

of our earth population live (MISQ, vol 31)• Niche area for research (less than 2% IS research

has been published in top journals)G i fi ld 39% th t f 1999 t 2008• Growing field – 39% growth rate from 1999 to 2008 (Heeks, 2010)

UNSW@ADFA, 14 Feb 2012IDC, Auckland, 3 Dec, 2012, Ahmed Imran

Who are the ICT4D researchers?

• The seasoned researchers - willing toThe seasoned researchers willing to expand their horizon of research or dig into niche areas.niche areas.

• Novice researchers driven by passion or a cause from developing countriescause from developing countries

UNSW@ADFA, 14 Feb 2012IDC, Auckland, 3 Dec, 2012, Ahmed Imran

Challenges of ICT4D research

• Lack of robust theories - existing theories mostly developed and tested in developed country context

• ICT initiatives have been unsuccessful because they have failed to address underlying contextual issues (Heeks 2003)

• Little effort on interventions to give a theoretical f d tifoundations

• Difficult to keep pace with technological changeU i i t l i i t t• Unique circumstances- complex socio economic structure

• Language

LDC Context unique

UNSW@ADFA, 14 Feb 2012Existing theories

Not one size fits all

IDC, Auckland, 3 Dec, 2012, Ahmed Imran

ICT4D ICT4D initiativesinitiativesinitiativesinitiatives

World Bank G8

UNEUADB

UNSW@ADFA, 14 Feb 2012

“random rocks being thrown into a pool rather than building cairns of knowledge.” (Heeks and Bailur, 2007 p. 256)

IDC, Auckland, 3 Dec, 2012, Ahmed Imran

Bangladesh Case Study Result (Imran & Gregor,2010)

Championship/ Model

1%Citizen demand

1%2%Lack of Experts / Professionals

5%Laws/ Rules

3%Knowledge

Socio Economic Condition

5%

Bureaucratic

26%

Bureaucratic Business process

7%

Attitude/ Mindset15%

Infrastructure 11%

Political will/ LeadershipPlanning & strategy

UNSW@ADFA, 14 Feb 2012

Leadership13%

Planning & strategy12%

IDC, Auckland, 3 Dec, 2012, Ahmed Imran

eGovernment Capacity Building through knowledge transfer in Bangladesh (2008-2012)

More about the project at www.ictforldc.com/pslp/

IDC, Auckland, 3 Dec, 2012, Ahmed Imran

- Why empowering and educating decision makers/ managers are so important in LDCs ? g p

UNSW@ADFA, 14 Feb 2012IDC, Auckland, 3 Dec, 2012, Ahmed Imran

First phase (2008) – Ice breaking

• eGov Strategic Pathways for Bangladesh ICT t H db k• ICT management Handbook

• Awareness program

UNSW@ADFA, 14 Feb 2012IDC Auckland 3 Dec 2012 Ahmed Imran

The Second Phase (2010-2012)The Second Phase (2010-2012)

• Built on previous activity, following long term y g gstrategy

• Institutionalize the knowledge through effective curriculum and training

• Targeting all officers of Bangladesh • Ensuring the sustainability and continuity of the

developmental effort• Far reaching benefit

UNSW@ADFA, 14 Feb 2012IDC Auckland 3 Dec 2012 Ahmed Imran

• Identify a ‘Sweet Spot’ (Gregor, Imran & Turner, 2010)

• Act on the Sweet Spot directly• Gain in‐depth understanding of the needs and nature of 

the LDC• Tailor the intervention to suit the LDC• Local knowledge is mandatory• The need for a committed team with complementary skills• Encourage sustainability by matching local custom

UNSW@ADFA, 14 Feb 2012IDC, Auckland, 3 Dec, 2012, Ahmed Imran

The way forward- ICT4D researchThe way forward- ICT4D research

• Study burning real life issues, bring in practices• Exploit the opportunities by technological development, e.g.,

cloudB k h i i i / id h• Break the existing notion/ go outside the square

• Change the publishing culture • Increase diligence and rigor in research• Change the current research impact assessment

UNSW@ADFA, 14 Feb 2012IDC, Auckland, 3 Dec, 2012, Ahmed Imran

Thank you

i tf ld

UNSW@ADFA, 14 Feb 2012

www.ictforldc.com