Role of Development in PTC

by: Elizabeth Fife and Stephanie Rolfe, Co-Chairs, PTC Development Special Interest Group (SIG)

         

The PTC Special Interest Group (SIG) on ICT Development meeting at PTC’08 was attended by about 30 people. A lively discussion took place on the best steps to move the group forward in a way which will further a PTC “ICT in Emerging Economies” community that engages with PTC and the variety of members interested in this topic. A consensus was reached on several practicable ideas:

• Special Session on topics surrounding ICT and emerging economies at PTC 2009
  • Several ideas for the format of the special session were put forward and can be discussed in detail at a later date, but it was suggested that the session be scheduled later in the afternoon to be followed by a social/networking event with targeted invitations sent to industry members. (dinner/cocktail party)
  • Structure several panels for PTC 2009
• Establish social networking site
  • Participants suggested that it would be useful to have a discussion forum or a blog which could be used to discuss several topical areas related to ICT and development:
  • practical “how-to”s for work in developing countries research questions – obstacles to development
  • There was interest in creating a database of experience, projects, and lessons learned
  • Another use for this site would be for members to upload research papers; this would also support the work of the research committee.
• Engagement with industry – PTC as “matchmaker” hosting webpage listing funding/tendering opportunities:
  • for implementation of projects, for assessment/evaluation studies, other research-related funding
  • Another suggestion is to encourage industry sponsorship of people from developing countries to attend PTC (e.g. researchers, companies, organizations) and reduced rates for attendees from developing nations
• Bridge with other organizations
  • An example of this is the MOU that PTC already has with PITA. For the purposes of the SIG on Dev. group, this could in practice mean a link to e-readiness data that PITA is gathering.

The meeting pulled together a committed group of people who were interested in more extensive interaction with the various constituents of PTC (researchers and academics, IOs, NGOs, public entities as well as ICT companies) involved in and supporting activities in emerging economies.

With the endorsement of the Board of Governors given during its meeting on 16 January 2008, the SIG will be working on measures to further develop and implement these ideas. If you would like to join this group, please contact Elizabeth Fife and Stephanie Rolfe, Co-chairs.