A comprehensive framework for ICT and Human Development

Finding a role for Information and Communications Technology in Human Development (ICT4Dev)

Through years of invigorating, frustrating, rewarding and disappointing experiences developing IT projects, social networks and virtual environments, stumbling upon errors, making discoveries along the way and documenting the valuable lessons learned (from best practices to unexpected mistakes), it has become obvious to me that a social, economical, technological and empirical framework for planning and implementing Human Development projects was much needed.

Conventional business planning and strategy building does not work for social issues and government and international organizations methodologies are often built top-down and ignore the needs and particular conditions of those they are meant to serve.

So, thanks to the collaboration of many visionaries, experts*, down to earth people, the end beneficiaries themselves, the sponsorship of Reuters Foundation and Google through the Digital Vision Fellowship at Stanford University and my participation in the Diplo Foundation e-Governance Fellowship, I have been working in putting together an ample foundation that addresses different layers of the quest for Human Development and is focused on solid strategy development and practical project implementation that guarantee a significant and positive social impact of the initiatives:

• ICT and Human Development: A general introduction to the challenges and special issues to consider when developing strategies for Human Development and Social Impact.
• CACHED: A "Collaborative Approach to Competitiveness, Human and Economic Development" on a Macro Level. A model focused on National, International and Regional development.
• DEVITO: Formulating Projects that promote "Development with Information Technologies and generate new Options and Opportunities" on a Micro Level. A model focused on development at a local and community level.
• SIFT: A strategy building methodology for significant "Social Impact from Technology".
• CODE3: A methodology for participative implementation of ICT Strategies and Initiatives through "Community Collaborative and Continuous Direct Engagement in the Design Development and Deployment" process.
• Mapping the Knowledge Society: A series of visual representations of processes, frameworks and ecosystems supporting the Knowledge Society and Human Development through Information and Communication Technologies (ICT4Dev).