ICT4D 3.0? Part 1—The components of an emerging “digital‐for‐development” paradigm

• Published in: The Electronic journal of information systems in developing countries Vol. 86; no. 3
• Main Author: Heeks, Richard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hong Kong City University of Hong Kong, Department of Information Systems 01.05.2020
• Subjects: digital‐for‐development; ICT4D; paradigm; Paradigms; Politics; trends
• ISSN: 1681-4835; 1681-4835
• DOI: 10.1002/isd2.12124

What has changed in the decade or so since the ideas of a new “ICT4D 2.0” phase were first mooted? This paper reviews those changes, based on a new framework model. At a foundational level, it looks at recent and current trends in digital technologies, data, processes and the implications these have for the user demographics and network structures that underpin the role of digital ICTs in international development. It then summarises some of the new building blocks of development: digital roles, digital products and digital business models. We could call what is emerging “ICT4D 3.0.” However, this paper argues that the changes are such that we could talk of a paradigmatic shift and suggests that the elements could be collated as a new “digital‐for‐development” paradigm. Part 2 of this paper explores the patterns of change in the economy and in politics that may be associated with this paradigm.