Broadband-enabled applications and ICT4D
In his book Transforming Government and Building the Information Society: Challenges and Opportunities for the Developing World, Nagy Hanna provides an overview of broadband-enabled applications. Hanna’s work is based on 35 years of experience at the World Bank and other international aid agencies. Drawing from many different countries, he looks at how governments use broadband in areas like governance, public service delivery, and economic development. His work highlights how ICTs can transform government institutions and public services to empower communities and support grassroots innovation. While Hanna acknowledges this is a long-term undertaking, he argues it can be achieved through strategic partnerships among policymakers, reformers, innovators, community leaders, ICT specialists, and development experts.
Some authors are quite vocal in their criticism of the World Bank. The video below features political scientist Susan George. George argues that the World Bank is operating in the interests of rich nations at the expense of poor ones. She cautions that its work can privatize formerly public services like health and education. Learn more about Susan George on Wikipedia.
It is important to keep these kinds of critiques in mind when studying the use of broadband for community and economic development. As we go through this unit’s materials, think about the benefits and challenges that accompany this work. How do they resonate with the criticisms raised by Susan George?
In his book Transforming Government and Building the Information Society: Challenges and Opportunities for the Developing World, Nagy Hanna provides an overview of broadband-enabled applications. Hanna’s work is based on 35 years of experience at the World Bank and other international aid agencies. Drawing from many different countries, he looks at how governments use broadband in areas like governance, public service delivery, and economic development. His work highlights how ICTs can transform government institutions and public services to empower communities and support grassroots innovation. While Hanna acknowledges this is a long-term undertaking, he argues it can be achieved through strategic partnerships among policymakers, reformers, innovators, community leaders, ICT specialists, and development experts.
Some authors are quite vocal in their criticism of the World Bank. The video below features political scientist Susan George. George argues that the World Bank is operating in the interests of rich nations at the expense of poor ones. She cautions that its work can privatize formerly public services like health and education. Learn more about Susan George on Wikipedia.
How do the WTO, World Bank and IMF work?
(uploaded May 5, 2011)
(uploaded May 5, 2011)
It is important to keep these kinds of critiques in mind when studying the use of broadband for community and economic development. As we go through this unit’s materials, think about the benefits and challenges that accompany this work. How do they resonate with the criticisms raised by Susan George?
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