tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9879470209478611602024-02-20T16:45:09.502-08:00Strengthening Information Capacity for Civil SocietyCivil Society Advocacy in International DevelopmentGordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987947020947861160.post-76545522527463799392007-12-08T12:08:00.000-08:002007-12-30T21:08:27.382-08:00E-Government: Key Concepts and Applications to Development<p class="MsoNormal" >One effect of new and expanding information and communication technology and the digital revolution is the reality and potential of ICT to increase the efficiency and effective of government. Another is demands on governments to be more receptive to the needs of citizens. Governments must become more participatory, lower barriers and costs for access, and become more responsive.<span style=""><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" >One way to do this is e-government – the use of information and communications technologies to transform government, to make it more efficient, effective, transparent and accountable.<span style=""> </span>For developing countries and the development efforts they are pursuing, e-government will be particularly important, in development and in establishing good governance.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" >E-government involves many benefits that strengthen the function of government, but also involves issues that call for new ways of governing.<span style=""> </span>For developing countries, the potentials are particularly significant, but so are the issues. An additional concern developing country governments must face is reconciling e-government and the digital divide.<br /><a href="http://www.unc.edu/%7Egewilkin/wilkinson_713_fa07_essay.pdf"><br />E-Government: Key Concepts and Applications to Development</a></p>Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987947020947861160.post-61504955308017188372007-11-02T11:13:00.001-07:002007-11-02T11:53:16.705-07:00On e-Government<p class="MsoNormal">In its most common use, “e-government” refers to communication between government and citizens by way of the Internet and web-based applications.<span style=""> </span>From the government point of view, the goal of e-government is utilizing information and communication technology to improve ways government does business and serves citizens.<span style=""> </span>From the citizen’s point of view, the most visible and relevant part of e-government is the many ways of interacting with government online. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Government often is seen as inefficient and unresponsive in meeting citizen expectations; and citizens do not have an alternative to government.<span style=""> </span>In many places, however, government is beginning to take a more customer-oriented view, regarding citizens as clients and adopting values of consumer satisfaction.<span style=""> </span>The on-line, 24/7 availability and response of business is carrying over to citizens’ expectations of government and demands they are making.<span style=""> </span>At the same time, government is realizing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of ICT operations that come with e-government.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As a leader, the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> federal government has adopted the concept of e-government, with four priority areas:<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">government to citizen – government and citizens communicating, and government delivering services in a more efficient, more responsive way</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">government to business – government and businesses interacting and exchanging information through timely, cost-efficient, cost-effective channels</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">government to government – improving the efficiency of government processes between government entities</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">intragovernment – improving the way government does business within its units, managing processes more effectively and efficiently and applying best practices</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Beyond improving administration and providing better services to citizens, e-government can strengthen government’s relationship with citizens as stakeholders and voters, from whom government must, or should, derive its mandate and legitimacy.<span style=""> </span>E-government can make the public sector more transparent and accountable, and display greater responsibility for decisions and actions.<span style=""> </span>E-government can provide new ways for citizens to participate in the functions of government and strengthen democratic processes.<span style=""> </span>Through stronger public-private relationships, e-government can work to build new partnerships toward strengthening social and economic capital and capacities of people and their communities.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">E-government does not come without suspicion.<span style=""> </span>Government is not always seen as – and sometimes does not operate as – a benevolent authority.<span style=""> </span>E-government includes information and communication technologies related to worrysome functions such as security and surveillance and information gathering.<span style=""> </span>E-voting still is not universally trusted.<span style=""> </span>In some aspects, government still is not always responsive, accountable or transparent.<span style=""> </span>Citizens must know that limits and safeguards for e-government are in place to ensure that the information capacity, reach and access that government can achieve is not misused or abused, and that government is operating to serve the interests of people.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Not Without Fears</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While the advantages and benefits of e-government are apparent, effective e-government is not a sure thing:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">E-government often involves change – which means, many would say, that the process will be difficult.<span style=""> </span>Designing and implementing effective and appropriate e-government systems requires learning from research and experience, and following advice of experts from outside government.<span style=""> </span>Potential constraints to effective implementation would include ineffective design and coordination within government, or mistakes in defining problems and finding ways to solve them.<span style=""> </span>Individual government entities employing e-government may have different perspectives, operational goals and objectives, circumstances, financial and human resources, technologies, levels of acceptance, and so on.<span style=""> </span>Government at higher levels may not have the capacity or will to provide the necessary competent leadership and oversight in developing and implementing broad strategies.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Citizen acceptance is key in effective e-government.<span style=""> </span>People may lack the interest, understanding or willingness to accept e-government processes.<span style=""> </span>Potential barriers at the citizen level could be many, such as resistance to technology, inadequate understanding and training, lack of access to ICT facilities, weaknesses in civil institutions that could support e-government, and unsupportive local perspectives and attitudes.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">E-government may not be an answer.<span style=""> </span>There would be little to gain from using e-government in support of processes and systems that may be outdated or bad and that should be changed.<span style=""> </span>There would be little to gain from using ICT in support of government operations that do not support the effective functioning of government, or effectively benefit or serve the best interests of people.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">The big-brother element of e-government cannot be denied.<span style=""> </span>Many people are reluctant to allow government expanded electronic control of information, and harbor suspicions of mismanagement and abuse.<span style=""> </span>Security of information, against internal abuse or theft by third parties, is a real concern.<span style=""> </span>Freedom of information would be another area of concern – whether citizen will have access to information, and assurances that information cannot be withheld, as well as assurances that government will not abuse its power and authority through censorship and misuse of information it possesses.<span style=""> V</span>ulnerability to external assault, by forces such as terrorism, must be considered. </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">The global element of e-government is to be considered.<span style=""> </span>The degrees of adoption and utilization of e-government processes by governments around the world are different.<span style=""> </span>Some countries have comparatively broad-reaching and well-functioning e-government structures and capabilities, and some do not.<span style=""> </span>Some countries are uncomfortable with or mistrusting of e-government, and have lagged in adoption or have chosen to limit adoption.<span style=""> </span>Some countries do not yet have the technological, education, or infrastructure bases needed for effective e-government.<span style=""> </span>In some countries, there is a disconnect between the nature of e-government and national culture – culture being independent of the many culturally neutral technology, hardware and physical infrastructure elements of e-government.</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Some Ideas</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">E-government has many dimensions.<span style=""> </span>Three are the willingness of citizens to accept e-government, citizen trust in e-government, and aspects of e-government around the world.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">As ICT and the Internet have changed most every aspect of life, the ways government operates and the ways people interact with government have changed.<span style=""> </span>E-government has become a fact, and is expanding in its impact.<span style=""> </span>As with most ICT applications, e-government does not have fixed limits in the ways it can be used, to make government operations more effective and efficient, support government-citizen interaction, and strengthen citizen participation in the processes of government.<span style=""> </span>Perhaps the most important element in implementation of e-government will be a willing citizenship – one that recognizes and embraces the benefits and potentials of e-government, and that forces government to respond appropriately.<span style=""> </span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">An important part of successful e-government will be citizen trust in ICT systems and processes, and the ways government employs these systems and processes.<span style=""> </span>Effective e-government will require basic citizen confidence in overall government – perhaps beyond the scope of ICT, but a key in ICT being adopted in the functions of government.<span style=""> </span>For successful e-government, citizens must be assured of a safe and secure information environment – in the ways government uses e-government systems, and the ways it protects these systems.<span style=""> </span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">There is a digital divide in terms of adoption of e-government around the world.<span style=""> </span>Many explanations of this are available, ranging from availability of technology, education and physical infrastructure, to compatibility between e-government and national culture.<span style=""> </span>These aspects of the digital divide must be acknowledged, and, where possible and appropriate, addressed.<span style=""> </span>Where the divide can be closed through improved availability of technology and infrastructure or creation of education opportunities, efforts in these directions should be made.<span style=""> </span>Where differences are based in elements of culture, these differences must be acknowledge and respected.</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Web Resources<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/egov/index.html">E-Gov:<span style=""> </span>Powering America’s Future with Technology</a><span style=""><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/egov/index.html"> </a> </span><span style=""></span>This is a website based in the White House, to quote: “Expanding E-Government is the President’s goal of utilizing technology to improve how the Federal Government serves you, citizens, businesses and agencies alike. This website provides an overview of the program, the Presidential E-Government Initiatives and the Federal Enterprise Architecture.”<span style=""> </span>This is an extensive web site outlining Federal Government approaches to e-government and providing a wealth of official information resources.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.egovjournal.com/index.htm">Journal of E-Government</a> <span style=""></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Journal of E-Government</span> is a forum for policymakers, practitioners, and technology industry leaders, along with academics and researchers.<span style=""> </span>This professional journal focuses on the application and practice of e-government in its broadest sense – using information technology to enhance the delivery of public services and information.<span style=""> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Journal of E-Government</span> is produced by the E-Governance Lab at the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">Southern California</st1:placename></st1:place>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.cdt.org/egov/handbook/">Center for Democracy and Technology:<span style=""> </span>Working for Democratic Values in a Digital Age</a> <span style=""> </span>The Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) is a non-profit public policy organization dedicated to promoting the democratic potential of today's open, decentralized global Internet.<span style=""> </span>This web site discusses a wide range of issues related to ICT, communication and public policy.<span style=""> </span>Resources on the site relate to legislative and policy development, current issues, and information and research resources; CDT’s work is both <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> domestic and international.<span style=""> </span>The site includes a link to a CDT blog that discusses ICT issues. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/egovernment_research/index_en.htm">eGovernment Research & Development</a> <span style=""> </span>This is a web site of the European Commission.<span style=""> </span>The EC recognizes e-government as an emerging priority and has charged the eGovernment Unit of its Information Society initiative with exploring ways to implement new policy, good practice exchange and avenues to implementation.<span style=""> </span>The EC sees e-government as being beyond establishing online services, and toward using information and communication technology in public administration, through organization change and development of new skills, to improve public services, strengthen public polices, and support democratic processes.<span style=""> </span>This web site presents policy development in the EC, activities that are being pursued, and information resources that are available. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTINFORMATIONANDCOMMUNICATIONANDTECHNOLOGIES/EXTEGOVERNMENT/0,,menuPK:702592%7EpagePK:149018%7EpiPK:149093%7EtheSitePK:702586,00.html">About E-Government</a> <span style=""></span>This is the home page for the World Bank’s e-government initiative.<span style=""> </span>The World Bank Group is working to support adoption of the principles of electronic government as a conceptual and technical framework for governance and public management reforms in the countries in which it works.<span style=""> </span>This web site presents the work the World Bank is doing, along with a range of knowledge resources.<span style=""> </span>The World Bank is a leading development institution with regard to e-government.</p><o:p></o:p><a href="http://www.egov4dev.org/">eGovernment for Development</a> <span style=""> </span>This is the web site for a project at the <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">Manchester</st1:placename> in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">United Kingdom</st1:place></st1:country-region> addressing the relationship of e-government and social and economic development.<span style=""> </span>With the specific question “How can e-government help developing countries” the site works to provide answers through links to publications and other information resources and an online discussion network. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987947020947861160.post-43021039995433001232007-10-12T13:28:00.000-07:002007-10-12T13:31:37.169-07:00What Makes for a Good Blog?The things that most people would think of, such as credibility, consistency, accuracy, timeliness, reason, and usefulness of content. Believability would rank high. <br /><br />I think of deciding “good” for a blog as being the same as for most anything else. In effect, blogs must attract customers. "Good" would be based on the same kind of consumer reasoning that goes into repeat purchases of a commercial item or repeat visits to a business.<br /><br />Referrals would be a good indicator as well. Word-of-mouth, or mentions in other places, whether on the Internet, in other media, or from people. Links on blogrolls would be another – a link is a vote of confidence.Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987947020947861160.post-69073755759776335062007-10-12T13:15:00.000-07:002007-10-12T13:17:09.981-07:00Two Contrasting Purposes for a BlogTwo contrasting blogsites in terms of finding content that is a basis for public debate:<br /><br />One is from Greenpeace <a href="http://weblog.greenpeace.org/">http://weblog.greenpeace.org/</a>. The site obviously exists to disseminate Greenpeace’s views on current events. Whatever Greenpeace’s views might be, the site is a jumping-off point for discussion of issues.<br /><br />The other is from the World Bank’s InfoShop <a href="http://worldbankinfoshop.blogspot.com/">http://worldbankinfoshop.blogspot.com/</a>, the public information outlet of the World Bank. While existing as a blog, the site is little more than one more outlet to advertise World Bank information products. It does not seem to serve the purpose of what a blog might be in terms of expressing views and creating a platform for comment and discussion.Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987947020947861160.post-40455471371743400202007-10-12T12:57:00.000-07:002007-10-12T12:58:59.232-07:00A Blog that Stays, and a One-Shot DealIn looking at international topics, a blog with a really interesting topic, and with follow-through, is My Heart’s in Accra <a href="http://ethanzuckerman.com/blog/">http://ethanzuckerman.com/blog/</a>. This is a site dealing with a range of ideas and issues, that has been maintained, in scope of content and in continuity, over time.<br /><br />A disappointment is World Bank Watch: A Blogsite for Critical Research on International Financial Institutions <a href="http://worldbankwatch.blogspot.com/">http://worldbankwatch.blogspot.com/</a>. This is a blog with a topic that is both relevant and intriguing. But it is a one-shot deal – one post and nothing since.Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987947020947861160.post-42786384200216614092007-10-12T12:28:00.000-07:002007-10-12T12:29:37.270-07:00Information and Going to JailAn significant moment for pause comes from the site Journalism and Mexican politics <a href="http://barrientes.wordpress.com/">http://barrientes.wordpress.com/</a> -- the idea of journalists going to jail.<br /><br />For a journalist in the United States, the threat of jail, at worst, would come from something like refusing to reveal a source.<br /><br />In many other countries, the threat jail is an everyday part of the job. And it could be much worse. In many parts of the world, the threat of physical harm and death also are an everyday part of the job.<br /><br />These should be some sobering thoughts, as we casually surf through the world’s press on the Internet, and take for granted how easily news and information comes.Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987947020947861160.post-9995503570504137212007-10-12T12:12:00.001-07:002007-10-12T12:12:56.210-07:00Comments and TrackbacksIn looking at weblogs that relate to aspects of international development, there is an interesting contrast between blogs that generate comments and trackbacks, and those that do not.<br /><br />In the list of blogs included on this site, it is worth noting that the site for CIVICUS <a href="http://civicus.civiblog.org/">http://civicus.civiblog.org/</a> generates a few comments, and a number of trackbacks.<br /><br />This compares with the site for Center for Global Development <a href="http://blogs.cgdev.org/globaldevelopment/">http://blogs.cgdev.org/globaldevelopment/</a>, which generates few comments, and virtually no trackbacks.<br /><br />I’m not sure whether this is a reflection of a “better” blog. Or perhaps a reflection of blogs with different purposes – a site designed to facilitate dialogue or idea exchange, compared, for example, with a site designed to disseminate information.Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987947020947861160.post-17804182127422208682007-10-12T11:46:00.000-07:002007-10-12T11:47:03.596-07:00Building a BlogrollA basic aspect of developing a blogroll is the quality of the blogs that are linked.<br /><br />Linking to a blog basically is an endorsement and vote of confidence in that blog. Its point of view and content, as well as its accuracy, timeliness, fairness and overall quality.<br /><br />What I link to reflects on my blog – and me. It’s a reflection of my judgment.<br /><br />The consideration that goes into developing a blogroll and putting it on a site perhaps is just as important as the main content of the site.Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987947020947861160.post-84562455617451095132007-10-12T11:34:00.000-07:002007-10-12T11:36:33.295-07:00Blogs and The EditorConnected with blogging and journalism, a topic from Blogging Into the Future <a href="http://bloggingintothefuture.wordpress.com/">http://bloggingintothefuture.wordpress.com/</a>, an interesting idea was raised recently by Chris Matthews, from MSNBC, a former newspaper person, now a broadcaster.<br /><br />The topic is The Editor. Matthews’ point was that in most of mainstream journalism, print, broadcast, whatever, there is an editor who checks a journalist’s work before it goes out. That includes not only spelling and grammar, but also facts and accuracy.<br /><br />Maybe the absence of an editor is something to think about when reading topical blogs.Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987947020947861160.post-50094458769446354602007-10-12T11:15:00.000-07:002007-10-12T11:27:53.089-07:00What Civil Society Sites Are AboutMany important and valuable views exist within civil society, and many websites have been created to reflect the related positions and interests. Some sites exist as resource centers, some address topics and causes, some promote political orientations. Some are advocacy-oriented, some work toward coordination and cooperation. Some are created by civil society organizations, some by government agencies or international bodies, some by academic institutions.<br /><br />Civil society is large and diverse, and the number of civil society websites that exist reflect civil society's scope and reach.<br /><br />Internet technology allows any interested party to become a publisher and an advocate. Searching websites also involves figuring out what a site is about and its creator.Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987947020947861160.post-29357224367490245782007-10-12T11:11:00.000-07:002007-10-12T11:14:41.702-07:00Listings of Civil Society ResourcesA number of websites exist to serve as a resource for development of civil society through extensive listings of civil-society related information. A very good one is Directory of Development Organizations: A Resource Guide to Development Organizations and the Internet <a href="http://www.devdir.org/">http://www.devdir.org/</a>. The Directory lists more that 51,000 development organizations and works toward information sharing and cooperation among civil society organizations, research institutions, governments and the private sector.<br /><br />The Conference of NGOs in Consultative Status With the United Nations <a href="http://www.ngocongo.org/">http://www.ngocongo.org/</a> is an extensive listing of civil society organizations and resources, but only those within the United Nations system -- a limited universe of organizations, working in a rigid system.Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987947020947861160.post-14316293865391812282007-10-12T10:57:00.000-07:002007-10-12T10:58:55.529-07:00Nation Building and CommunicationAn important point from the site Write for Freedom <a href="http://africanfreepress.blogspot.com/">http://africanfreepress.blogspot.com/</a> is the idea that for Americans, freedom of the press, and of other expression, is a given. A free press and other freedoms to communicate were central in establishing the American nation.<br /><br />Many countries take as a part of life free and open media such as the Internet and the information reach it offers as a part of life; in some other countries, simply expressing a contrary opinion in public can be dangerous. A number of countries in Africa are struggling with nation-building, yet do not have basic freedoms to communicate and exchange ideas that lead to nation-building.Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987947020947861160.post-54078303608447914622007-10-12T10:37:00.001-07:002007-10-12T10:38:54.737-07:00World Bank Private Sector Development and BloggingAn interesting blog I encountered is the World Bank’s Private Sector Development Blog <a href="http://psdblog.worldbank.org/">http://psdblog.worldbank.org/</a>. The Private Sector Development Blog (PSD Blog) gathers together news, resources and ideas about the role of private enterprise in fighting poverty. The blog is informal and represents the quirks and opinions of the bloggers, not the official views of the World Bank group.<br /><br />Private sector development and fighting poverty does not seem to me to be a particularly fertile topic for blogging. I note that many of the posts have not generated comments.<br /><br />Blogging technology makes for easy blog creation. The subject matter, and whether an active blog is created, is another matter.Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987947020947861160.post-46020265751742706292007-10-12T10:27:00.001-07:002007-10-12T13:41:40.529-07:00International Development Agencies and Information and Communication for DevelopmentIn exploring issues of information and communication in international development from the perspective of international development agencies, the World Bank’s site for the infoDev initiative is a good place to start. infoDev was created as a partnership of international development agencies, coordinated and served by an expert Secretariat housed at the World Bank, one of its key donors and founders. It acts as a neutral convener of dialogue, and as a coordinator of joint action among bilateral and multilateral donors —supporting global sharing of information on ICT for development (ICT4D), and helping to reduce duplication of efforts and investments. <a href="http://www.infodev.org/en/index.html">http://www.infodev.org/en/index.html</a><br /><br />An international development agency not as useful is the Asian Development Bank. The ADB has not focused significantly on the relationship between information and communication and development, and has not recognized it as a priority area.<br /><a href="http://www.adb.org/">http://www.adb.org/</a>Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987947020947861160.post-48319675672339005052007-09-24T07:49:00.002-07:002007-09-24T08:05:13.099-07:00A Welcome NoteThis is the second post to the blog, but the first that will be seen after the blog is announced, so...<br /><br />Welcome.<br /><br />This is my first experience with a blog. I've done web pages before, but nothing with the intent and capabilities of a blog. It should be an interesting experience.<br /><br />And, the content of this blog is taking a direction that maybe is heavier that many others. But this is something I'm interested in and hope to take it further. So please be patient.<br /><br />Again, this project should be interesting, and I look forward to it.Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987947020947861160.post-64317770236081575672007-09-23T19:41:00.000-07:002007-09-24T07:33:30.125-07:00International Development, Civil Society and InformationInternational development is focusing more on basic needs of people – issues such as poverty reduction, health and education, social protection, gender equity, and environmental protection and improvement.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Despite the focus on people, however, in practice most international assistance to developing countries flows through multilateral development organizations and nation-to-nation direct assistance programs that work with developing country governments, often overlooking the input and participation of people affected and producing unintended or unexpected negative impacts.<br /><p class="MsoNormal">Over the past 30 years a global movement has emerged to challenge the official development system and vision and to expand participation.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Campaigns have been waged to stop specific development projects, change policies and practices, and fundamentally change the development priorities of official assistance programs.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Civil society organizations – people coming together in shared interests, purposes and values, through collective action – have led the global movement.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>This advocacy work of international civil society organizations increasingly is influencing global policy for development and is having success in shaping the international development agenda.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">A persistent obstacle in the effectiveness of civil society organizations advocacy has been constraints on staffing, time and resources.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Specifically, civil society organizations frequently are under pressure to balance concept and action, often without sufficient capacity or capability to undertake comprehensive research and analysis.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">As civil society moves into advocacy in international development issues, broad knowledge of the international development discussion as well as specific knowledge of current operations in international development agencies will be critical.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Research into how civil society can use information and communication technology in becoming involved effectively in the international development conversation poses a very interesting topic for research. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Three possible areas for research would be exploration of what information technology can be employed to strengthen an information base for civil society, and in what ways, to support the civil society role in the international development debate; develop evidence-based research data on current practice; and identify new and expanded possibilities for information and knowledge management within civil society organizations related to its adovcacy role.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Research results should have direct application is expanding and strengthening the capacity of civil society, particularly civil society organizations, in advocacy related to international development.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Keywords:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>international development; civil society; civil society organization; nongovernment organizations NGO; advocacy; knowledge management; civic action</p><p class="MsoNormal">Some online research resources:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Title:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></b>Organizational Development:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Knowledge Management<br /><b>Web Address:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></b><a href="http://www.ngomanager.org/dcd/2_Organisational_Development/Knowledge_Management">http://www.ngomanager.org/dcd/2_Organisational_Development/Knowledge_Management</a><br /><b>Brief Description:</b> A site dealing with resources for issues of information management strategy; networking and information flows; information and knowledge management.</p><b><span style="font-size:0;"></span></b><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Title:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></b>The WWW Virtual Library:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>International Affairs Resources – International Development<br /><b>Web Address:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></b><a href="http://www2.etown.edu/vl/intldev.html">http://www2.etown.edu/vl/intldev.html</a><br /><b>Brief Description:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></b>An extensive listing of online resources related to international development.<b><o:p><br /></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Title:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></b>SSRC:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Transnational Civil Society Organizations and Information Technology<br /><b>Web Address:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></b><a href="http://programs.ssrc.org/">http://programs.ssrc.org/</a><br /><b>Brief Description:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></b>The Social Science Research Council program is focused on four program areas:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>global security and cooperation; migration; knowledge institutions; and the public sphere.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>The SSRC web site offers a wide range of information sources on these topics.<o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Title:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></b>Civic Action in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:place st="on">Eurasia</st1:place><br /><b>Web Address:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></b><a href="http://www.fplib.org/partners/ccsi/ccsihome.html">http://www.fplib.org/partners/ccsi/ccsihome.html</a><br /><b>Brief Description:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></b>An example of how the Internet can be used<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>to disseminate information in a information-poor environment for strengthening civil society organizations working to expand civil rights, democratic institutions, social services, and economic reform.<o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Title:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></b>Using the Internet for Advocacy and Community-Building:<br />Successful NGO Case Studies for the New Millennium<br /><b>Web Address:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></b><a href="http://www.wiredstrategies.com/inter-sample.htm">http://www.wiredstrategies.com/inter-sample.htm</a><br /><b>Brief Description:<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></b>This piece now is somewhat dated, and a bit short on content and links, but also is an interesting from the historical perspective – how the Internet was viewed ten years ago.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>A basis for viewing directions taken and pace of development.</p>Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128436381698364310noreply@blogger.com2