A short presentation on the use of cyberinfrastructure for creating virtual organizations and fostering collaboration in the developing world. Prepared for a panel discussion @ http://bit.ly/dgijA7.

1. Fostering Collaboration &Virtual Organization Needs, Strategies and Pitfalls in the Developing World Steven D. Prager Department of Geography University of Wyoming

2. Motivating QuestionsMotivating Context: Global change & the Developing World What is a virtual organization (perhaps defined in your context)? Why do virtual organizations form? What have been the primary drivers in the formation of virtual organizations? What needs do virtual organizations address for their constituents? How are virtual organizations managed (if they even are!)? What have been the most prominent issues faced in developing/maintaining virtual organizations? What have been some of the most successful strategies for successful virtual organizations?

3. Virtual:In effect or essence, if not in fact or reality; imitated, simulated, substantial; Nearly, almost.(Wiktionary) Virtual Organization: The essence of an organization? A simulation of organization? Almost an organization?

4. (Multiple Sources Cited)

5. Is it still a VO if: High performance computing is not required? Organization is loose (at best)? Communication infrastructure ranges from slow to asynchronous to sporadic sneaker net? The “common interest” isn’t necessarily common? “Yes” (says Steve)

6. Why do VOs form? Virtual Organizations are Context Dependent VO Infrastructure needs to be Context Appropriate A Social Process

7. How are VOs managed? “Management” is defined by the standards of practice within the community: Wikipedia – individuals contribute to any topic based on their knowledge and interests. Open Street Map – individuals often form groups and the group maps an area. High Performance Computing – access is managed, prioritized and often secured. What about the emergent model? “Management” emerges with the emergence of the organization. The emergent model begins as a fundamentally social entity. The social dimension must be fostered.

8. Prominent “Issues” in the Developing World Conservative cultures. Less open perspectives on data & resource sharing. Availability of bandwidth and computational resources. Unequal distribution of capacity. Links to/between SDIs, NSDIs and GSDIs need examination. No shortage of intellect – lot’s of smart folks interested in collaboration.

9. Are CI and VO appropriate for the Developing World? Short Answer: Appropriate VO (by extension, appropriate CI) is appropriate for the developing world. There is great potential to advance hard research problems by fostering integration and interaction between the developed and developing world.