Development Challenges, South-South Solutions is the monthly e-newsletter for the United Nations Development Programme’s South-South Cooperation Unit (www.southerninnovator.org). It has been published every month since 2006.
Stories by David South
Design and Layout: UNDP South-South Cooperation Unit
Follow @SouthSouth1
Presentation held by Mr.Goran Mitreski as a part of the Digital Divide Session at the 8th SEEITA and 7th MASIT Open Days Conference, 14th-15th October, 2010
This document discusses the digital divide in the United States and worldwide. It is divided into several sections that cover the digital divide among socioeconomic groups, in rural areas, based on age, in third world countries, developing countries, and developed countries. Key points made include that low-income Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and disabled individuals have less access to broadband. Rural areas also have less access and choice for high-speed internet. Developing countries have the largest gaps in internet access and participation in the digital economy.
The document discusses the digital divide, which refers to the gap between those who have access to the internet and technology versus those who do not. It identifies two main aspects of the digital divide: access to computers and related technologies, as well as technological literacy and the ability to use technologies effectively. The document then discusses some potential solutions to bridging the digital divide, such as government policies, NGO programs to increase digital literacy, and initiatives that provide affordable access through technologies like mobile phones and low-cost laptops.
The document discusses the issue of the digital divide where wealthy people have greater access to technology like the internet and email while many in developing countries do not. It mentions several organizations that are working to address this problem by donating equipment and providing digital education to underprivileged children. The document then outlines a group's plan to raise awareness and funds to donate laptops and technology to a migrant school in Shanghai, China to help close the digital divide.
The document discusses the digital divide, which is the gap between individuals and societies with regards to their access to and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). It notes several types of digital divides, including socioeconomic divides, urban/rural divides, and international divides. It provides statistics on internet access and usage rates in various countries and populations to illustrate these divides. It discusses some of the barriers to access and initiatives being taken by governments and organizations to help bridge the digital divide, including improving infrastructure, increasing access points, developing skills, and ensuring relevant online content. The conclusion emphasizes that technology alone will not bridge the divide and that education is also needed to equip people with the ability to use technologies.
The digital divide refers to differences in access to technology between groups. It can be caused by urban vs rural locations, wealth, and a country's level of development. Improving infrastructure and technology sharing initiatives could help reduce the divide by improving access.
The differences of hv's and havenot's incase of ICT is called digital divide. The presentation focuses on digital divide in education. The concept explained with facts available on the net. The facts are included and referred in the show. The purpose of the presentation is pure academic and not commercial. the citation has been given. Concept of digital divide, global facts of digital divide with special reference to India, reasons behind digital divide and solutions of it has been mentioned in the presentation
Presentation held by Mr.Goran Mitreski as a part of the Digital Divide Session at the 8th SEEITA and 7th MASIT Open Days Conference, 14th-15th October, 2010
This document discusses the digital divide in the United States and worldwide. It is divided into several sections that cover the digital divide among socioeconomic groups, in rural areas, based on age, in third world countries, developing countries, and developed countries. Key points made include that low-income Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and disabled individuals have less access to broadband. Rural areas also have less access and choice for high-speed internet. Developing countries have the largest gaps in internet access and participation in the digital economy.
The document discusses the digital divide, which refers to the gap between those who have access to the internet and technology versus those who do not. It identifies two main aspects of the digital divide: access to computers and related technologies, as well as technological literacy and the ability to use technologies effectively. The document then discusses some potential solutions to bridging the digital divide, such as government policies, NGO programs to increase digital literacy, and initiatives that provide affordable access through technologies like mobile phones and low-cost laptops.
The document discusses the issue of the digital divide where wealthy people have greater access to technology like the internet and email while many in developing countries do not. It mentions several organizations that are working to address this problem by donating equipment and providing digital education to underprivileged children. The document then outlines a group's plan to raise awareness and funds to donate laptops and technology to a migrant school in Shanghai, China to help close the digital divide.
The document discusses the digital divide, which is the gap between individuals and societies with regards to their access to and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). It notes several types of digital divides, including socioeconomic divides, urban/rural divides, and international divides. It provides statistics on internet access and usage rates in various countries and populations to illustrate these divides. It discusses some of the barriers to access and initiatives being taken by governments and organizations to help bridge the digital divide, including improving infrastructure, increasing access points, developing skills, and ensuring relevant online content. The conclusion emphasizes that technology alone will not bridge the divide and that education is also needed to equip people with the ability to use technologies.
The digital divide refers to differences in access to technology between groups. It can be caused by urban vs rural locations, wealth, and a country's level of development. Improving infrastructure and technology sharing initiatives could help reduce the divide by improving access.
The differences of hv's and havenot's incase of ICT is called digital divide. The presentation focuses on digital divide in education. The concept explained with facts available on the net. The facts are included and referred in the show. The purpose of the presentation is pure academic and not commercial. the citation has been given. Concept of digital divide, global facts of digital divide with special reference to India, reasons behind digital divide and solutions of it has been mentioned in the presentation
This powerpoint is a project we had to do on Digital Divide. :) Enjoy! btw, credit the works
By: Megan, Noah and Jessendra
do not copyright
you will be punished
:D
The document discusses the digital divide, which refers to the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) like the internet, and those who do not. It notes that while access to ICTs has spread rapidly in industrialized countries, the growth has been uneven in developing nations. This can further widen socioeconomic divides. Some key points made include that over 40% of people live on less than $2 per day, making basic internet access unaffordable, and that disparities exist between countries in areas like number of scientists and engineers, which influence technological development. The true significance of the digital divide is its potential economic effects, as access to ICTs and information is increasingly important
Green Wi-Fi is a non-profit organization founded by Bruce Baikie that aims to provide internet access to schoolchildren in remote villages around the world. It develops solar-powered wireless antennas for laptops to bring connectivity to areas without electricity. Green Wi-Fi partners with organizations like OLPC and Inveneo to transport and set up the necessary equipment. The goal is to further education and productivity in developing countries by bridging the digital divide.
The document discusses the digital divide issue in rural and urban Bangalore, India. It identifies several key issues contributing to the divide, including lack of funding/government support, inadequate infrastructure in poorer areas, unaffordability of ICTs, language barriers, and lack of education. Existing efforts by governments, NGOs, and individuals need to be strengthened to address these issues and narrow the gap. Proposed solutions include increasing literacy/education, developing ICT infrastructure in rural areas, CSR initiatives for computer training and funding education, and empowering individuals. With concerted efforts to develop basic infrastructure and support from all sectors, the digital divide can be reduced to allow more people to benefit from technology.
Digital Divide & Digital Inequality PresentationTravis Kench
This document discusses the digital divide and digital inequality. It defines the digital divide as the gap between those who have access to computers and the internet versus those who do not. Digital inequality refers to socioeconomic factors like income, age, education, and location that limit technology access. It provides statistics on global internet and broadband access and adoption to demonstrate the gaps. It also discusses factors contributing to the digital divide like infrastructure costs, deregulation, and the lack of universal service fund support for broadband. Potential solutions discussed include increasing community access points, partnering with libraries, and providing technology training.
Susan Crawford Large as Life - How will fiber turn our world upside downAnn Treacy
1. The document discusses how investing in fiber infrastructure could transform Minnesota by improving access to high-speed internet, which is essential for economic growth, education, healthcare and reducing inequality.
2. It recommends that Minnesota set a goal of funding $100-200 million to build out fiber networks, prioritizing installing "dark fiber" that any internet provider can use.
3. Cooperating through public-private partnerships and helping form new cooperatives could extend affordable fiber access to rural areas not served by private providers.
The document defines key terms related to information and communication technology (ICT) and the digital divide. It discusses debates around prioritizing ICT development, both criticisms and arguments in support. United Nations Millennium Development Goals related to ICT access are outlined. The document explores how ICTs can support education, health, small and medium enterprises, and governance. It analyzes dimensions of the digital divide and importance of closing the gap, proposing strategies to increase access and relevance of ICTs.
The document discusses the digital divide, which refers to the gap between those who have access to computers and the Internet, and those who do not. The digital divide is related to three types of capital: social, knowledge, and human. Lack of digital access prevents the development of social networks and communication, access to online education, and the ability to enhance skills. Potential solutions proposed include providing free Internet access in public places and schools, as well as subsidized broadband and devices for low-income households.
The document discusses the digital divide, particularly in India and developing nations. It describes how those in remote, poor areas lack access to modern technology, education, and healthcare as a result. The document then discusses efforts by organizations like First Mile Solutions to bridge this divide by providing internet access and technology to underserved communities. Local governments are also taking measures to address the digital divide through funding initiatives that send outdated tech to developing areas and help children access education resources online. A world map shows how computer adoption has grown globally over the past 20 years and is expected to continue increasing.
This document discusses how technology can help bridge the divide between informal settlements (slums) and cities. It provides examples of how mapping projects in Kibera, Kenya's largest slum, have created the first digital maps of the settlement made with input from local residents. These maps collect reliable data on infrastructure and demographics, making this information publicly available online through platforms like OpenStreetMap. Mapping projects help represent slum communities, encourage their participation, and have the potential to address issues around poverty, sanitation and development.
There are three main types of digital divides discussed in the document. First, the divide between those who have access to digital technology and those who do not due to socioeconomic barriers. Second, the divide between those who actively use technology, known as digital natives, and those who do not due to a lack of digital literacy skills. And third, the divide caused by policies that restrict access to technology through filtering and blocking in schools and libraries. Bridging these divides requires expanding access, increasing media literacy education, and reducing restrictions on technology use.
The document discusses the digital divide, which is defined by the OECD as the gap between individuals and areas in accessing and using information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the internet. It presents perspectives that the digital divide prevents equal access to education due to a lack of technology. Rural and low-income areas often lack sufficient internet access, limiting educational opportunities. Closing the digital divide requires efforts like increasing broadband access for low-income communities and providing training to help people navigate computers and the internet.
The document discusses the digital divide in India. It defines the digital divide as the gap between those who have access to computers and the internet versus those who do not. In India, the digital divide exists between rural and urban areas, as well as between socioeconomic classes. The government has launched several initiatives under its Digital India program to bridge the digital divide, such as expanding broadband access, increasing mobile penetration, developing digital literacy programs, and increasing e-governance services. However, the digital divide in India still poses challenges to the country's economic growth and global competitiveness. Efforts are needed to expand access to ICT for rural and lower-income populations.
Digital Divide Powerpoint by Sam, Michael, Eduard and Hanutsmuench
The document discusses the digital divide issue in Myanmar, where the military government restricts internet access. It provides background on digital divide globally and how increased access could help rural communities. The case study focuses on internet restrictions in Myanmar following peaceful protests by monks in 2007, known as the Saffron Revolution. Several organizations aim to raise awareness of the situation and support expanded access to information.
The document discusses the digital divide between developed and developing countries like the Philippines and India. It finds that while mobile phone usage has increased significantly in both countries, internet usage remains lower than in developed nations. Specifically, it notes that mobile phone subscription has more than doubled in the Philippines since 2004, with over 25% of the population owning phones. However, internet usage in the Philippines and India is still only around 3-28%, which is lower than other Asia-Pacific and global averages. While both countries have seen growth, the document concludes that a large digital divide still exists between high-income and lower-income countries in the region in terms of technology access and use.
Internet Innovation: Empowering Citizens in the Developing WorldAyelet Baron
The document discusses how information and communication technologies (ICT) can empower citizens in developing countries. It provides examples of successful ICT projects in Kenya that take a "bottom-up" approach, such as Pasha centers that provide education and information to communities. The document advocates for public-private partnerships to create an enabling environment for ICT adoption, including accessible infrastructure, education, local content, and services.
The document discusses the issue of the digital divide and efforts to address it. It provides background on the digital divide, how it affects people globally. It presents a case study on Guangxi Province in China where access to technology is limited. It then discusses the One Laptop Per Child initiative that aims to provide affordable laptops to children in developing areas to help bridge the digital divide. It outlines a student group's action plan to raise awareness and funds to support this initiative to address unequal access to technology worldwide.
Guatemala faces significant social problems and poverty, with over half the population lacking money and over 400,000 people unemployed or homeless. This contributes to a large digital divide, as many cannot afford technology. Factors like a weak education system where over 25% of adults are illiterate, remote mountainous areas not wired for internet, and natural disasters disrupting infrastructure mean that only 16% of students have technology access despite 95% having a school. This impacts social and economic inclusion as literacy and technology skills become more important. NGOs are working to address the divide but it remains a serious problem in Guatemala.
Broadband At the Speed of Light: How Three Communities Built Next-Generation ...Ed Dodds
This document provides an overview and analysis of three municipal broadband networks: BVU Authority in Bristol, Virginia, EPB in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and LUS Fiber in Lafayette, Louisiana. Each of these communities built their own fiber optic networks to provide high-speed internet access after incumbent providers were unwilling or unable to upgrade networks to meet 21st century needs. The networks have faced opposition through lawsuits and legislation but have succeeded and generated economic benefits by attracting businesses and jobs to the communities. The document examines the history and challenges of each network and provides lessons learned for other communities considering building their own networks.
Networked engineering for sustainable communitiesLynn Ilon
The international development model has changed. Global threats are a substantial threat to world economies. Locally networked approaches mitigate such threats and lower global risks.
This document discusses efforts to bridge the digital divide between developed and developing nations. It notes that while internet access is ubiquitous in Australia, in many places only 4 phone lines and 1 computer are shared between 1000 people. Recent initiatives by companies like Intel and OLPC aim to provide low-cost computers to children in developing areas, but challenges implementing technologies at such a large scale mean mistakes are likely. While a positive step, questions remain about how far these initiatives can go in truly solving global poverty issues.
This powerpoint is a project we had to do on Digital Divide. :) Enjoy! btw, credit the works
By: Megan, Noah and Jessendra
do not copyright
you will be punished
:D
The document discusses the digital divide, which refers to the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) like the internet, and those who do not. It notes that while access to ICTs has spread rapidly in industrialized countries, the growth has been uneven in developing nations. This can further widen socioeconomic divides. Some key points made include that over 40% of people live on less than $2 per day, making basic internet access unaffordable, and that disparities exist between countries in areas like number of scientists and engineers, which influence technological development. The true significance of the digital divide is its potential economic effects, as access to ICTs and information is increasingly important
Green Wi-Fi is a non-profit organization founded by Bruce Baikie that aims to provide internet access to schoolchildren in remote villages around the world. It develops solar-powered wireless antennas for laptops to bring connectivity to areas without electricity. Green Wi-Fi partners with organizations like OLPC and Inveneo to transport and set up the necessary equipment. The goal is to further education and productivity in developing countries by bridging the digital divide.
The document discusses the digital divide issue in rural and urban Bangalore, India. It identifies several key issues contributing to the divide, including lack of funding/government support, inadequate infrastructure in poorer areas, unaffordability of ICTs, language barriers, and lack of education. Existing efforts by governments, NGOs, and individuals need to be strengthened to address these issues and narrow the gap. Proposed solutions include increasing literacy/education, developing ICT infrastructure in rural areas, CSR initiatives for computer training and funding education, and empowering individuals. With concerted efforts to develop basic infrastructure and support from all sectors, the digital divide can be reduced to allow more people to benefit from technology.
Digital Divide & Digital Inequality PresentationTravis Kench
This document discusses the digital divide and digital inequality. It defines the digital divide as the gap between those who have access to computers and the internet versus those who do not. Digital inequality refers to socioeconomic factors like income, age, education, and location that limit technology access. It provides statistics on global internet and broadband access and adoption to demonstrate the gaps. It also discusses factors contributing to the digital divide like infrastructure costs, deregulation, and the lack of universal service fund support for broadband. Potential solutions discussed include increasing community access points, partnering with libraries, and providing technology training.
Susan Crawford Large as Life - How will fiber turn our world upside downAnn Treacy
1. The document discusses how investing in fiber infrastructure could transform Minnesota by improving access to high-speed internet, which is essential for economic growth, education, healthcare and reducing inequality.
2. It recommends that Minnesota set a goal of funding $100-200 million to build out fiber networks, prioritizing installing "dark fiber" that any internet provider can use.
3. Cooperating through public-private partnerships and helping form new cooperatives could extend affordable fiber access to rural areas not served by private providers.
The document defines key terms related to information and communication technology (ICT) and the digital divide. It discusses debates around prioritizing ICT development, both criticisms and arguments in support. United Nations Millennium Development Goals related to ICT access are outlined. The document explores how ICTs can support education, health, small and medium enterprises, and governance. It analyzes dimensions of the digital divide and importance of closing the gap, proposing strategies to increase access and relevance of ICTs.
The document discusses the digital divide, which refers to the gap between those who have access to computers and the Internet, and those who do not. The digital divide is related to three types of capital: social, knowledge, and human. Lack of digital access prevents the development of social networks and communication, access to online education, and the ability to enhance skills. Potential solutions proposed include providing free Internet access in public places and schools, as well as subsidized broadband and devices for low-income households.
The document discusses the digital divide, particularly in India and developing nations. It describes how those in remote, poor areas lack access to modern technology, education, and healthcare as a result. The document then discusses efforts by organizations like First Mile Solutions to bridge this divide by providing internet access and technology to underserved communities. Local governments are also taking measures to address the digital divide through funding initiatives that send outdated tech to developing areas and help children access education resources online. A world map shows how computer adoption has grown globally over the past 20 years and is expected to continue increasing.
This document discusses how technology can help bridge the divide between informal settlements (slums) and cities. It provides examples of how mapping projects in Kibera, Kenya's largest slum, have created the first digital maps of the settlement made with input from local residents. These maps collect reliable data on infrastructure and demographics, making this information publicly available online through platforms like OpenStreetMap. Mapping projects help represent slum communities, encourage their participation, and have the potential to address issues around poverty, sanitation and development.
There are three main types of digital divides discussed in the document. First, the divide between those who have access to digital technology and those who do not due to socioeconomic barriers. Second, the divide between those who actively use technology, known as digital natives, and those who do not due to a lack of digital literacy skills. And third, the divide caused by policies that restrict access to technology through filtering and blocking in schools and libraries. Bridging these divides requires expanding access, increasing media literacy education, and reducing restrictions on technology use.
The document discusses the digital divide, which is defined by the OECD as the gap between individuals and areas in accessing and using information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the internet. It presents perspectives that the digital divide prevents equal access to education due to a lack of technology. Rural and low-income areas often lack sufficient internet access, limiting educational opportunities. Closing the digital divide requires efforts like increasing broadband access for low-income communities and providing training to help people navigate computers and the internet.
The document discusses the digital divide in India. It defines the digital divide as the gap between those who have access to computers and the internet versus those who do not. In India, the digital divide exists between rural and urban areas, as well as between socioeconomic classes. The government has launched several initiatives under its Digital India program to bridge the digital divide, such as expanding broadband access, increasing mobile penetration, developing digital literacy programs, and increasing e-governance services. However, the digital divide in India still poses challenges to the country's economic growth and global competitiveness. Efforts are needed to expand access to ICT for rural and lower-income populations.
Digital Divide Powerpoint by Sam, Michael, Eduard and Hanutsmuench
The document discusses the digital divide issue in Myanmar, where the military government restricts internet access. It provides background on digital divide globally and how increased access could help rural communities. The case study focuses on internet restrictions in Myanmar following peaceful protests by monks in 2007, known as the Saffron Revolution. Several organizations aim to raise awareness of the situation and support expanded access to information.
The document discusses the digital divide between developed and developing countries like the Philippines and India. It finds that while mobile phone usage has increased significantly in both countries, internet usage remains lower than in developed nations. Specifically, it notes that mobile phone subscription has more than doubled in the Philippines since 2004, with over 25% of the population owning phones. However, internet usage in the Philippines and India is still only around 3-28%, which is lower than other Asia-Pacific and global averages. While both countries have seen growth, the document concludes that a large digital divide still exists between high-income and lower-income countries in the region in terms of technology access and use.
Internet Innovation: Empowering Citizens in the Developing WorldAyelet Baron
The document discusses how information and communication technologies (ICT) can empower citizens in developing countries. It provides examples of successful ICT projects in Kenya that take a "bottom-up" approach, such as Pasha centers that provide education and information to communities. The document advocates for public-private partnerships to create an enabling environment for ICT adoption, including accessible infrastructure, education, local content, and services.
The document discusses the issue of the digital divide and efforts to address it. It provides background on the digital divide, how it affects people globally. It presents a case study on Guangxi Province in China where access to technology is limited. It then discusses the One Laptop Per Child initiative that aims to provide affordable laptops to children in developing areas to help bridge the digital divide. It outlines a student group's action plan to raise awareness and funds to support this initiative to address unequal access to technology worldwide.
Guatemala faces significant social problems and poverty, with over half the population lacking money and over 400,000 people unemployed or homeless. This contributes to a large digital divide, as many cannot afford technology. Factors like a weak education system where over 25% of adults are illiterate, remote mountainous areas not wired for internet, and natural disasters disrupting infrastructure mean that only 16% of students have technology access despite 95% having a school. This impacts social and economic inclusion as literacy and technology skills become more important. NGOs are working to address the divide but it remains a serious problem in Guatemala.
Broadband At the Speed of Light: How Three Communities Built Next-Generation ...Ed Dodds
This document provides an overview and analysis of three municipal broadband networks: BVU Authority in Bristol, Virginia, EPB in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and LUS Fiber in Lafayette, Louisiana. Each of these communities built their own fiber optic networks to provide high-speed internet access after incumbent providers were unwilling or unable to upgrade networks to meet 21st century needs. The networks have faced opposition through lawsuits and legislation but have succeeded and generated economic benefits by attracting businesses and jobs to the communities. The document examines the history and challenges of each network and provides lessons learned for other communities considering building their own networks.
Networked engineering for sustainable communitiesLynn Ilon
The international development model has changed. Global threats are a substantial threat to world economies. Locally networked approaches mitigate such threats and lower global risks.
This document discusses efforts to bridge the digital divide between developed and developing nations. It notes that while internet access is ubiquitous in Australia, in many places only 4 phone lines and 1 computer are shared between 1000 people. Recent initiatives by companies like Intel and OLPC aim to provide low-cost computers to children in developing areas, but challenges implementing technologies at such a large scale mean mistakes are likely. While a positive step, questions remain about how far these initiatives can go in truly solving global poverty issues.
The document discusses the internet in Brazil and its importance for Brazil's development. It explains that while the internet and fiber optic cables are transforming the global economy, Brazil has been slow to develop high-speed internet connectivity and mobile services due to poor strategy. This has weakened Brazil's progress. It also highlights some small internet service providers in remote areas like Amazônia that are pioneering connectivity through innovative solutions like radio links and solar power.
Development Challenges, South-South Solutions: November 2010 IssueDavid South Consulting
Development Challenges, South-South Solutions is the monthly e-newsletter for the United Nations Development Programme’s South-South Cooperation Unit (http://ssc.undp.org/index.php?id=66). It has been published every month since 2006.
Stories by David South
Design and Layout: UNDP South-South Cooperation Unit
How will African cities deal with the problems posed by population growth, climate change and urbanization in the coming years? Are smart cities the answer? A case study of Lagos and Nairobi.
A presentation for:
Athens Co Creation City Branding Project, Panteion University
https://www.facebook.com/groups/344955005611178/
https://medium.com/athens-co-creation-city-branding-project
Created for an independent study on Media & the Digital Divide, this presentation discusses the latest developments in Municipal Wireless Internet and how they could be leveraged to lessen the divide in urban communities throughout America.
The digital revolution began in the 1950s but truly took off in the 1990s with the invention of the World Wide Web and the growing availability of affordable digital devices. Today over 4 billion people use the internet globally through computers, phones, and other connected devices. E-commerce is also growing significantly across all retail sectors as more customers conduct online searches and purchases. However, the rapid pace of technological change has disrupted many industries and business models. It remains to be seen how businesses, customers, and societies will continue to adapt to an increasingly digital world.
2.0 assigment-1 task - British Academy of Digital MarketingValentina Solidani
The document discusses how digital technology and internet access has impacted people's lives. It provides statistics on internet usage such as over 4 billion people now using the internet with over half having broadband access. People on average spend 6 hours per day online. Mobile access to the internet has grown significantly with over 90% of social media usage now occurring on mobile devices. The average global internet speed is reported as 7.2 Mbps. Smartphones are increasingly how people access the internet with over half of total online time now spent on smartphones.
Cities across the globe are strug-gling today to reinvent th.docxclarebernice
Cities across the globe are strug-
gling today to reinvent themselves
for the postindustrial economy
anticipated by sociologist Daniel Bell
and others in the 1960s.
Many communities have been
adapting their communications
infrastructure to meet the needs of
an age in which information is the
most valuable commodity. Most of
these initiatives, such as the U.S. Na-
tional Information Infrastructure and
Singapore’s Intelligent Island, focus
on the technological aspects of the
postindustrial economy.
San Diego even commissioned a
City of the Future committee in 1993
to make plans to build the first fiber-
optic-wired city in the United States
in the belief that, just as cities of the
past were built along waterways,
railroads, and interstate highways,
the cities of the future will be built
along “information highways”—
wired and wireless information
pathways connecting every home,
office, school, and hospital and,
through the World Wide Web, mil-
lions of other individuals and insti-
tutions around the world.
These new information
infrastructures are un-
doubtedly important. But
creating a twenty-first-
century city is not so much
a question of technology as
it is of jobs, dollars, and
quality of life. A community’s plan
to reinvent itself for the new,
knowledge-based economy and
society therefore requires educating
all its citizens about this new global
revolution in the nature of work. To
succeed, cities must prepare their
citizens to take ownership of their
communities and educate the next
generation of leaders and workers to
meet the new global challenges of
what has now been termed the “Cre-
ative Economy.”
At the heart of such an effort is
recognition of the vital roles that art
and culture play in enhancing eco-
nomic development and, ultimately,
defining a “creative community”—a
community that exploits the vital
linkages among art, culture, and
commerce. Communities that con-
sciously invest in these broader
human and financial resources are at
the very forefront in preparing their
citizens to meet the challenges of the
rapidly evolving, and now global,
knowledge-based economy and
society.
Cyberspace and Cyberplace
The mammoth global network of
computer systems collectively re-
ferred to as the Internet has blos-
somed from an obscure tool used by
government researchers and aca-
18 THE FUTURIST March-April 2006 www.wfs.org
Building Creative
The Role of Art and Culture
A leading authority on information technology argues that cities must
nurture the creative potential and community engagement of their citizens.
By John M. Eger
The Intelligent Community
Forum recently selected the
city of Sunderland, England,
as one of the world’s “top seven
intelligent communities of 2005.”
The Forum’s judging was based
on such factors as the availabil-
ity of broadband infrastructure,
the presence of a knowledge-
based workforce, a communal
focus on innovation, and a pro-
gressive social and political
culture.
ONE NORTHEAST / LONDON PRESS ...
The document discusses the rise of mobile learning (m-learning) through mobile phones. It provides statistics showing that over 4 billion people own mobile phones globally, compared to only 1.3 billion with fixed telephone lines. Mobile phone ownership has grown rapidly especially in developing regions. The document then discusses how mobile phones are increasingly used for data applications and internet access. It argues that mobile phones can help expand access to learning materials since they are widely available even where other technologies are not. Examples from both developed and developing countries show how mobile phones are beginning to be used for educational purposes by building on existing non-educational practices.
Rural Communities in the Broadband Economy:Lessons from Planet EarthAnn Treacy
1. The broadband economy has changed the rules of economic success, presenting both challenges and opportunities for communities. It allows for global collaboration but also increased competition and outsourcing of jobs.
2. Rural communities can leverage broadband infrastructure to attract businesses, create economic opportunities for citizens, and engage the community through digital tools. Examples like LaGrange, Georgia and Fredericton, New Brunswick successfully built their own broadband networks.
3. The Intelligent Community Forum identifies top communities each year that have seized opportunities of the broadband economy through strategies like broadband deployment, digital education, innovation, and marketing themselves as intelligent communities.
Cyberspace & The Digital Divide is a document that discusses several key topics related to digital technology access and usage. It defines cyberspace, cyberculture, and the digital divide. The digital divide refers to inequalities in access to digital technologies like computers and the internet between those who have access and those who do not, or between users and non-users. Key factors that influence the digital divide are income, cost of internet access, education, gender, age, and language. Examples are provided of countries working to address the divide, such as initiatives to expand internet access in Africa. The question is raised of whether universal internet access could help create a more equal world.
Wikimapa is a collaborative mapping project launched in 2009 that allows residents of low-income areas in Brazil to document points of interest in their communities. It was created to address the problem that official maps often do not include information about slums and their resources. The project trains young residents to map their communities using mobile phones and an online mapping platform. Wikimapa has expanded geographic coverage, increased its userbase, and partnered with other organizations. It aims to empower youth, appreciate local communities, and improve access to services through collaborative mapping.
Connected World 2019 - chair's opening commentsDavid Terrar
My slides setting the scene for the Connected World Summit 2019 an event covering Emerging Technology for Smart Cities, Connected Places & Tomorrow's Digital World. I covered how we live in exponential times. There has never been a time of greater promise of greater peril. We are dealing with a digital enterprise wave that, with AI, 5G, IoT and Blockchain is turning in top a Digital Tsunami. We are creating data faster than ever, but watch the numbers game and make sure you get your facts and ideas straight. Just like the parable of the 6 blind men and the elephant, everyone sees the connected world topic differently.
The document discusses the use of Web 2.0 tools for emergency management and crisis response. It provides examples of how crowdsourcing, citizen journalism, and social media mapping have enabled faster and more engaged responses to events like earthquakes, protests, and political crises. Specific tools and platforms mentioned include Ushahidi, CrisisCommons, and interactive maps used by organizations like the Guardian.
This document discusses trends on the internet from 2009, including the rise of social media and broadband adoption. It notes that 17% of online time was spent on social media in August 2009, nearly triple the amount from a year earlier. The document also reports that 57% of U.S. households had broadband by 2008, though adoption rates varied significantly among different demographic groups. Broadband was found to provide over $30 billion in consumer benefits and support over 10 million high-paying jobs. Overall the document examines how internet trends were increasingly being driven by social networking and user-generated content.
The document discusses trends in mobile technology in Africa over the next decade. Some of the key trends discussed include:
1) Mobile phone adoption in Africa will continue to grow rapidly as prices decline, with smartphones becoming more common across the continent.
2) Mobile internet and data access will also grow exponentially, allowing more Africans to access information and services on their mobile devices.
3) Mobile money and financial services will become increasingly important, integrated into many aspects of life and commerce across Africa.
4) Mobile technologies will be leveraged in sectors like education, healthcare, and agriculture to increase access and drive development.
The new millennium is beginning to realize the continual efforts Africa is making in quest for greater connectivity. Internet connectivity is very crucial to make Africa engage competitively in the global economy because we are in an emerging Internet age in which information equals power. This paper presents how the Internet, the Information Superhighway, can help in developing countries in Africa. Matthew N. O. Sadiku | Adedamola A. Omotoso | Sarhan M. Musa ""Africa's Connectivity"" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-2 , February 2020,
URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd30042.pdf
Paper Url : https://www.ijtsrd.com/engineering/civil-engineering/30013/obtaining-modal-parameters-in-steel-model-bridge-by-system-identification-using-artificial-neural-networks/hakan-aydin
Similar to Development Challenges, South-South Solutions: July 2007 Issue (20)
Editor-in-Chief: David South
In 1994 a huge schism had grown in Canada between youth and the wider media. Young people were not reflected anywhere and their views were ignored. That is, until Watch Magazine exploded onto the streets of Toronto and into the halls of the city’s high schools. I was hired by Youth Culture to be the Editor-in-Chief for this unique business: a magazine staffed by high school students but covering the wider worlds of pop music, culture, fashion, politics and the arts.
You can read more about my current and past work here: www.davidsouthconsulting.com
El documento describe cómo las mujeres aprenden las normas comerciales a través de la venta en mercados callejeros. Esto les brinda independencia económica y habilidades empresariales. Sin embargo, enfrentan desventajas como comprar en pequeñas cantidades y pagar precios más altos. El uso de teléfonos móviles en Nigeria y un sistema de pedidos en Sudáfrica han ayudado a las mujeres a superar estas desventajas y aumentar sus ingresos.
El documento describe cómo el turismo puede ayudar a los excombatientes después de un conflicto, brindando ejemplos de Aceh, Indonesia, donde antiguos guerrilleros ahora son guías turísticos, y de Rwanda, donde el turismo está ayudando a curar las heridas del genocidio al tiempo que genera ingresos. También menciona cómo el turismo se ha convertido en una importante atracción en lugares como los túneles Cu Chi en Vietnam que solían usarse por el Vietcong.
El documento describe cómo Cuba ha tenido éxito cultivando alimentos en áreas urbanas para abordar su crisis alimentaria. Cuba ahora produce la mayoría de las verduras que consume a través de huertas urbanas que usan métodos orgánicos. Esto ha creado empleos y mejorado la nutrición de los cubanos. Los cultivos urbanos han ayudado a Cuba a reducir su dependencia de importaciones de alimentos a un costo alto.
Este documento discute el potencial de la juventud urbana como fuente de crecimiento económico. Actualmente, la mayoría de los jóvenes que viven en ciudades de países en desarrollo trabajan en empleos informales y con bajos salarios para sobrevivir. Sin embargo, si se les brindan oportunidades para desarrollar trabajos de calidad, los jóvenes pueden impulsar un sustancial crecimiento económico. El documento también describe varios programas y concursos que buscan promover el emprendimiento entre los
Los tejedores tradicionales de la India están recurriendo a la medicina ayurveda para impregnar sus telas con hierbas y especias con propiedades medicinales, con el fin de aumentar sus ventas. Ensayos clínicos han demostrado los beneficios de estas telas llamadas "ayurvastra" para problemas de salud como reumatismo y diabetes. Ahora se exportan a varios países y generan ingresos para los tejedores, ayudando a preservar esta antigua industria textil.
Este documento describe el desarrollo de una máquina de cajero automático llamada Gramateller diseñada para servir a los pobres y analfabetos en la India rural. La máquina utiliza un escáner de huellas dactilares y puede aceptar billetes sucios. Se ha probado con éxito con dos bancos grandes. El objetivo es ampliar el acceso a los servicios bancarios para las 4.000 millones de personas que viven con menos de $2 dólares por día en todo el mundo.
El documento habla sobre aprovechar la energía cinética de los niños jugando en el patio de recreo para generar electricidad que pueda alumbrar las aulas de escuelas en África que carecen de electricidad. Un estudiante británico diseñó un columpio de tabla que, mediante el simple movimiento de subir y bajar, puede generar suficiente electricidad en 5-10 minutos para iluminar un aula por la noche. Actualmente se está realizando un ensayo piloto de este columpio en Uganda, y el estudiante espera establecer una
El documento describe dos iniciativas africanas para abordar problemas agrícolas y de salud utilizando enfoques basados en la biotecnología y la ciencia. La primera involucra el desarrollo de una variedad de maíz resistente al virus del maíz veteado por científicos sudafricanos para ayudar a los pequeños agricultores. La segunda involucra la cría de tilapias en estanques en Kenia para controlar la propagación de mosquitos portadores de malaria y proporcionar una fuente de alimentos. Ambas
El Children's Development Bank de la India transforma a los niños de la calle en empresarios al brindarles servicios bancarios seguros para ahorrar e invertir su dinero ganado trabajando, así como capacitación empresarial. El banco, administrado conjuntamente por niños y adultos, tiene actualmente 1,300 miembros en Delhi que ahorran un promedio de 30-40 rupias por día. Algunos niños miembros ya están estableciendo sus propios negocios con préstamos del banco.
El documento discute (1) el gran aumento en la población juvenil en los países en desarrollo y las oportunidades que esto presenta para el emprendimiento; (2) la necesidad de brindar a los jóvenes educación y capacitación en habilidades empresariales para aprovechar esta oportunidad; y (3) algunos programas e iniciativas existentes que brindan apoyo financiero y capacitación a los emprendedores juveniles.
Este documento describe el creciente movimiento de "filantropos empresariales" que usan modelos empresariales para abordar problemas sociales. Se centran más en los beneficios que las organizaciones sin fines de lucro tradicionales, y ven a las empresas como una herramienta para el bien. Algunos ejemplos notables son la Omidyar Network, que busca proporcionar microcréditos a todos los pobres del mundo, y el Acumen Fund, que usa principios de diseño empresarial para resolver problemas de pobreza.
1) Un equipo venezolano dirigido por Ermanno Pietrosemoli estableció un nuevo récord mundial al transmitir una señal Wi-Fi a 282 kilómetros de distancia entre dos montañas en los Andes venezolanos, utilizando equipo de bajo costo.
2) Esto demuestra que las señales inalámbricas de bajo costo pueden llegar a mayores distancias e incluso áreas rurales remotas con pequeñas inversiones, ayudando a reducir la brecha digital.
3) Pietrosemoli
El documento discute varias opciones de financiamiento para empresarios sociales en comunidades de bajos ingresos en África. Describe nuevos enfoques como inversiones de impacto social, empresas sociales y comercio justo que buscan un equilibrio entre personas, planeta y ganancias. También destaca varias organizaciones e iniciativas que brindan fondos, capacitación y mercados para este tipo de empresas, como competencias de planes de negocios, microfinanciamiento, buscadores en línea y redes de comercio justo.
El documento describe el creciente papel de la tecnología de código abierto y las computadoras portátiles en África. Específicamente, menciona 1) una película que destaca el movimiento de código abierto en África, 2) el sistema operativo Ubuntu que se ha vuelto popular en el continente, y 3) el proyecto One Laptop Per Child que planea distribuir millones de computadoras portátiles a bajo costo en países en desarrollo.
El documento describe varias iniciativas creativas para ayudar a los pobres, incluyendo Kiva.org, un sitio web que permite a personas prestar pequeñas cantidades de dinero a emprendedores pobres en otros países sin cobrar interés; Ecologics, una compañía que desarrolla tecnologías apropiadas como bombas de agua accionadas a pedal; y retretes biológicos en Kenia que generan metano para su venta.
NIMA2024 | De toegevoegde waarde van DEI en ESG in campagnes | Nathalie Lam |...BBPMedia1
Nathalie zal delen hoe DEI en ESG een fundamentele rol kunnen spelen in je merkstrategie en je de juiste aansluiting kan creëren met je doelgroep. Door middel van voorbeelden en simpele handvatten toont ze hoe dit in jouw organisatie toegepast kan worden.
[To download this presentation, visit:
https://www.oeconsulting.com.sg/training-presentations]
This PowerPoint compilation offers a comprehensive overview of 20 leading innovation management frameworks and methodologies, selected for their broad applicability across various industries and organizational contexts. These frameworks are valuable resources for a wide range of users, including business professionals, educators, and consultants.
Each framework is presented with visually engaging diagrams and templates, ensuring the content is both informative and appealing. While this compilation is thorough, please note that the slides are intended as supplementary resources and may not be sufficient for standalone instructional purposes.
This compilation is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of innovation management and drive meaningful change within their organization. Whether you aim to improve product development processes, enhance customer experiences, or drive digital transformation, these frameworks offer valuable insights and tools to help you achieve your goals.
INCLUDED FRAMEWORKS/MODELS:
1. Stanford’s Design Thinking
2. IDEO’s Human-Centered Design
3. Strategyzer’s Business Model Innovation
4. Lean Startup Methodology
5. Agile Innovation Framework
6. Doblin’s Ten Types of Innovation
7. McKinsey’s Three Horizons of Growth
8. Customer Journey Map
9. Christensen’s Disruptive Innovation Theory
10. Blue Ocean Strategy
11. Strategyn’s Jobs-To-Be-Done (JTBD) Framework with Job Map
12. Design Sprint Framework
13. The Double Diamond
14. Lean Six Sigma DMAIC
15. TRIZ Problem-Solving Framework
16. Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
17. Stage-Gate Model
18. Toyota’s Six Steps of Kaizen
19. Microsoft’s Digital Transformation Framework
20. Design for Six Sigma (DFSS)
To download this presentation, visit:
https://www.oeconsulting.com.sg/training-presentations
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BriansClub.cm, a famous platform on the dark web, has become one of the most infamous carding marketplaces, specializing in the sale of stolen credit card data.
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The global retail industry has weathered numerous storms, with the financial crisis of 2008 serving as a poignant reminder of the sector's resilience and adaptability. However, as we navigate the complex landscape of 2024, retailers face a unique set of challenges that demand innovative strategies and a fundamental shift in mindset. This white paper contrasts the impact of the 2008 recession on the retail sector with the current headwinds retailers are grappling with, while offering a comprehensive roadmap for success in this new paradigm.
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Every industrial revolution has created a new set of categories and a new set of players.
Multiple new technologies have emerged, but Samsara and C3.ai are only two companies which have gone public so far.
Manufacturing startups constitute the largest pipeline share of unicorns and IPO candidates in the SF Bay Area, and software startups dominate in Germany.
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[To download this presentation, visit:
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This presentation is a curated compilation of PowerPoint diagrams and templates designed to illustrate 20 different digital transformation frameworks and models. These frameworks are based on recent industry trends and best practices, ensuring that the content remains relevant and up-to-date.
Key highlights include Microsoft's Digital Transformation Framework, which focuses on driving innovation and efficiency, and McKinsey's Ten Guiding Principles, which provide strategic insights for successful digital transformation. Additionally, Forrester's framework emphasizes enhancing customer experiences and modernizing IT infrastructure, while IDC's MaturityScape helps assess and develop organizational digital maturity. MIT's framework explores cutting-edge strategies for achieving digital success.
These materials are perfect for enhancing your business or classroom presentations, offering visual aids to supplement your insights. Please note that while comprehensive, these slides are intended as supplementary resources and may not be complete for standalone instructional purposes.
Frameworks/Models included:
Microsoft’s Digital Transformation Framework
McKinsey’s Ten Guiding Principles of Digital Transformation
Forrester’s Digital Transformation Framework
IDC’s Digital Transformation MaturityScape
MIT’s Digital Transformation Framework
Gartner’s Digital Transformation Framework
Accenture’s Digital Strategy & Enterprise Frameworks
Deloitte’s Digital Industrial Transformation Framework
Capgemini’s Digital Transformation Framework
PwC’s Digital Transformation Framework
Cisco’s Digital Transformation Framework
Cognizant’s Digital Transformation Framework
DXC Technology’s Digital Transformation Framework
The BCG Strategy Palette
McKinsey’s Digital Transformation Framework
Digital Transformation Compass
Four Levels of Digital Maturity
Design Thinking Framework
Business Model Canvas
Customer Journey Map
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Starting a business is like embarking on an unpredictable adventure. It’s a journey filled with highs and lows, victories and defeats. But what if I told you that those setbacks and failures could be the very stepping stones that lead you to fortune? Let’s explore how resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking can transform adversity into opportunity.
Development Challenges, South-South Solutions: July 2007 Issue
1. In this issue:
Featured links:
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July 2007 | subscribe | unsubscribe | contact us | version française | versión en español
Record-breaking Wireless Internet to Help
Rural Areas
Many initiatives seek to bring inexpensive access to the internet to
rural and remote regions around the world. One of the most successful
ways to rapidly expand access is to offer wireless internet so that
anyone can use a laptop computer, a PC or a mobile phone to quickly
access the Net. Access to wireless internet is being rolled out in cities
around the world with so-called ‘hot spots’, but the thornier issue of
improving access in rural or remote regions could get better, thanks to
a Venezuelan team.
The rapid expansion of mobile phones has done much to reduce the
digital divide in Africa, for example, where the number has grown from
just 15 million in 2000 to more than 160 million by the end of 2006,
according to the International Telecommunications Union. This rapid
growth has paid off: Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, Gabon and Cote
d’Ivoire are in the top ten gainers of the Digital Opportunity Index,
2004-2006 (http://www.itu.int). The proliferation of Wi-Fi-enabled
mobile phones combined with the spread of inexpensive wireless
access has the potential to close the digital divide between rural and
urban areas.
The issue of inequality in access to the internet has stark
consequences for global economic development. Already, according to
the World Information Society Report 2007, “Europe has achieved the
largest overall gain in digital opportunity over the last two years,
followed by the Americas… Asia and Africa have witnessed smaller
gains in digital opportunity. The implications for the digital divide are
clear: digital opportunity is becoming more sharply divided by region,
not less.”
As the Digital Divide campaign learned, it is more important to keep in
mind “Internet kiosks or rental of cell phones and other devices hold
great promise for the poor. But shared use is a complement to a
strategy that involves giving each person their own wireless device.
Eventually, the price of such devices will be low enough so that
everyone can have their own device.”
A Venezuelan team led by Ermanno Pietrosemoli, president of the Latin
American networking association Escuela Latinoamerica de Redes,
have broken the world record for unamplified broadcasting of a Wi-Fi
(wireless internet) signal. The signal was broadcast in June from two
mountains 282 kilometres apart in the Venezuelan Andes. Importantly,
they did this using equipment costing only just over US $360, while
producing a signal strong enough to send video messages. The former
record was 220 kilometres set in 2005.
The consequence of this achievement for entrepreneurs is important:
It means inexpensive wireless signals can now reach further into
remote and rural regions for a small investment.
“We we’re able to transmit voice and video with both,” said Professor
Pietrosemoli. “280 kilometres is pushing the envelope, but the same
technique can be used at distances of some 150 kilometres by people
with some basic training provided there is uninterrupted line of sight
between the end points. This usually means shooting from hills or
using them as repeater points. For distances up to 80 kilometres,
towers can be used to provide connectivity even in flat land”
Pietrosemoli is willing to train people in the techniques he has
d e v e l o p e d f o r t r a n s m i t t i n g w i r e l e s s o v e r l a r g e d i s t a n c e s
n Record-breaking Wireless
Internet to Help Rural
Areas
n A New House Kit for Slum
Dwellers that is Safe and
Easy to Build
n Afro Coffee: Blending Good
Design and Coffee
n Banning of Plastic Bags and
Containers Brings New
Opportunities
n Humanizing the Digital Age
n Babajob.com
n Equator Initiative
n Kiva.org
n SSC Website
n Window on the World
n Job Opportunities
n Past Issues
2. (https://wireless.ictp.it or www.eslared.org.ve).
The advantages of this approach include cost and simplicity. The more
commercial WiMax technology costs more and is usually installed by
large companies. Pietrosemoli’s technique is for people who lack those
technical and financial advantages.
“I have been installing wireless networks for some 20 years,” he
continued, “and reckon that wireless is the only viable alternative to
ameliorate the digital divide in developing countries. For rural areas,
the challenge is to use as little repeater sites as possible, as each
repeater adds costs, delay and powering issues.”
Pietrosemoli said the only other obstacle to setting these networks up
is the availability of unlicensed radio frequency spectrum in the 2,4 and
5 Ghz bands. The International Telecommunications Union has
recommended that countries make these free for the use of data
networks, but some countries are still blocking this.
LINKS:
n Wireless Networking in the Developing World: A Practical Guide to
Planning and Building Low-cost Telecommunications Infrastructure
n World Information Society Report 2007: A progress report on
pledges to bring digital opportunity to all.
n The Wireless Geographic Logging Engine: This is a website with
maps tracking the presence of Wi-Fi access around the globe. So
far it maps over 10 million separate Wi-Fi networks. Entrepreneurs
only have to log into the website to start searching for wireless
networks near them.
3. A New House Kit for Slum Dwellers that is Safe and Easy to Build
By 2030, some 5 billion people around the world will live in cities. Next year, 2008, is predicted to be the
tipping point, when urban dwellers (3.3 billion people) will outnumber rural residents for the first time.
These are the conclusions of UNFPA’s State of the World Population 2007 Report. Even more strikingly, the
cities of Africa and Asia are growing by a million people a week. And 72 percent of the population in sub-
Saharan Africa live in slum conditions.
But as populations grow -- and most will be poor, unemployed and under 25 -- it becomes critical that
effective solutions are found to ensure people can live with dignity and comfort. And design is being used
more and more to overcome this challenge.
George Martine, author of the UNFPA report, is blunt: “W e’re at a crossroads and can still make decisions
which will make cities sustainable. If we don’t make the right decisions the result will be chaos,” he told the
UK newspaper The Independent.
Guatemala-born architect Teddy Cruz of Estudio Teddy Cruz in San Diego, California, joins a small but
growing number of socially responsible architects. He applies a concept more associated with middle class
shoppers at the furniture design emporium Ikea to the world’s estimated one billion urban slum dwellers
(UN-Habitat). Without legal title to the land they live on, packed tightly into densely overcrowded
shantytowns, most squatters and slum dwellers live in makeshift homes made from whatever they can get
their hands on. This is estimated to include half the urban population of Africa, a third of Asia and a fourth
of Latin America and the Caribbean (Click here for more information).
The ad-hoc shelters and houses they build can be dangerously unstable, and vulnerable to natural disaster
from flash floods to earthquakes. Cruz had noticed that while building supplies and materials were plentiful,
nobody was selling safe and affordable housing frames for slum dwellers. According to the International
Labor Organization, formal housing markets in developing countries rarely supply more than 20 percent of
housing stock.
Cruz’s solution was to design a simple kit for building the frames for a house or a business that he now
sells in Mexico. Each customer receives a manual, a snap-in water tank, and 36 frames that can be
assembled in many configurations, or serve as a frame for poured concrete. These sturdy frames can also
be added to with locally found materials. Cruz said he was inspired by “the resourcefulness of poverty” and
by the cheap and affordable pre-fabricated homes that once were sold by catalogue by the American
retailer Sears.
Cruz has been testing the structures in Tijuana, Mexico – a rapidly growing city on the border with the
United States and a destination for Mexico’s poor. His work as an architect has centred on exploring how
informal settlements grow faster than the cities they surround. These settlements, he says, break the rules
and blur the boundaries between what is urban, suburban and rural. Cruz’s frame kits can be used to build
a home, or combination of home and business, acknowledging the fact many people need to use their
home as a business for a livelihood.
“These start-up communities gradually evolve,” said Cruz., ”or violently explode out of conditions of social
emergency, and are defined by the negotiation of territorial boundaries, the ingenious recycling of
materials, and human resourcefulness.”
LINKS:
n More Urban, Less Poor: The first textbook to explore urban development and management and
challenge the notion unplanned shanty towns without basic services are the inevitable consequence of
urbanization.
n Slum Populations in the Developing World: A map showing the African countries with large slum
populations and their percentage of the total population
n Architecture for Humanity: An NGO to promote architectural and design solutions to global, social and
humanitarian crises.
4. Afro Coffee: Blending Good Design and Coffee
The importance of good design and a strong brand in the success of a business cannot be emphasised
enough. That extra effort and thought can take a business from local success to regional and even global
success. As consultants KPMG make clear, “For many businesses, the strength of their brands is a key
driver of profitability and cash flow “. Yet the majority of small businesses fail to think about their brand
values or how design will improve their product or service.
The case of Afro Coffee from Cape Town, South Africa shows how a small and humble café can raise its
ambitions and its profits. It re-vamped its modestly successful café into a brand with global ambitions. By
undertaking a thorough and comprehensive brand development inspired by the colourful vibe of Africa, Afro
Coffee has built a consistent image from the design of its café and shop to its wide range of branded teas,
coffees and fashion wear – all sold in the café, on the web and through distribution deals with other shops.
“It started out as a café in downtown Cape Town,” said founder Grant Rushmere. “Our concept was to
harness a Pan African view of contemporary urban Africa. The pop art nature of African design inspired us
to create our own brand of coffee instead of the usual Italian coffee that most cafes use. Our goal was to
refocus people to the origins of coffee – that it in fact originated in Africa before being discovered by the
Arabs and from Yemen, exported around the world. Many people don’t know this, so we attempt to capture
and celebrate this African spirit in our packaging and all we do.”
Afro Coffee had started out as a simple café. But after a major re-design and adoption of a new concept,
the café has become a global brand and expanded into a branch in Europe. By infusing the spirit of Africa
and its design aesthetics into all aspects of the café and its products – coffee, tea, fabrics, fashion - Afro
Coffee has been able to develop a seamless image that is unforgettable.
Rushmere was joined by two Austrian partners to help with building the new brand and facilitating its
global launch. “Design and branding have been a passion of mine,” said Rushmere. “and these are realized
through the Afro Coffee brand and the fun merchandising we develop. One of my partners has an
international network of advertising agencies and the other has developed and owns a world-leading
brand. With their experience, I will continue to guide the development of Afro Coffee.”
Afro Coffee’s website includes a video tour of the café and introduction to the ‘Afro dude’ character and a
short cartoon video adventure. To help develop customer loyalty, the café has live bands three times a
week from across Africa.
“Our mission is to communicate the joys of Africa through our Afro Cafes and our Afro-branded products.
The fact that the African people are so wonderfully not self-conscious at all, with their humour and freedom
and their style and design. Hopefully we can convey this spirit and enhance the lives of people who
consume our product and sip coffee listening to Afro Tunes at our cafes. For South Africa, we try to show
just how cool Afro culture actually is and instil a sense of confidence into people to make them realize what
they already are - lofty ideals but we’ll have a go!”
As the brand developed, a range of teas were produced using only African teas like Rooibos, a non-caffeine
root. The next to come was fabrics based on West African religious clothing. They became table cloths and
were so popular, they moved into combining them with leather to make Afro Bags – all part of expressing
the lifestyle that inspires the brand.
Distribution deals have been done to distribute the teas and coffees throughout South Africa and in
Europe. The clothing range is now available on their online store (www.afrocoffee.com).
Its African-infused design for its coffee stand won the Design Indaba 2007 Award, South Africa’s design
magazine and exhibition. Also designed by Peet Pienaar, it is inspired by Ghanaian woodwork and Kenyan
coffee. The stand is a giant stiletto shoe stacked with tins of teas and coffees and an over-sized radio that
doubles as a counter top.
Afro Coffee is proof a small business can grasp a bigger concept and in turn become a bigger success. It
has been so successful, it has opened a new branch in Austria, begging the question: maybe this once-
humble café is on the road to being an African Starbucks?
LINKS:
n Afro Coffee’s award-winning display stand can be viewed at http://www.designindaba.com/
n Brandchannel: The world’s only online exchange about branding, packed with resources, debates and
contacts to help businesses intelligently build their brand.
n Small businesses looking to develop their brand can find plenty of free advice and resources here:
www.brandingstrategyinsider.com
n Dutch Design in Development: Dutch designers are able to offer free support to new and small
businesses in developing countries looking to export products to Europe.
5.
6. Banning of Plastic Bags and Containers Brings New Opportunities
This month, Uganda bans plastic bags, outlawing their import, manufacture and use and joining a growing
list of African countries seeking to sweep cities of this menace. Uganda’s ban follows similar moves in Kenya
and in Tanzania, where even plastic drinks containers will soon be banished. Rwanda, also a member of
the East African Community, has gone further - in 2005 the country banned any products made of very thin
plastic below 100 microns. The thinner plastic found in plastic bags (under 30 microns) is particularly
troublesome because it is easily blown around by the wind. The proliferation of plastic bags and plastic
containers across the developing world has not only become an eyesore, it is also an environmental
catastrophe that is poisoning the land.
In Uganda’s capital, Kampala, discarded plastic has combined with toxic waste management practices to
make the problem worse. While Kampala has 30 companies dealing in solid waste management, the
process is mired in corruption. Poor areas of the city receive no service because it is more profitable for the
companies to target wealthy areas for the user fees they collect to remove rubbish.
Scavengers in the municipal dump of Kampala earn 50 Ugandan pence a day collecting plastic bags. Most
plastic bags do not make it to the dump, ending up blown around the city by the wind, washed into drains
and water courses. Worse, the rich soil around Uganda’s towns and villages is now covered in plastic bags.
A new layer of polythene and contaminated soil has formed in many areas, with an impenetrable crust that
stops rain from soaking through. It leaves water stagnating in pools gurgling with methane gas bubbles.
For entrepreneurs, tackling the mountains of plastic waste is an opportunity – as is providing a
replacement once they are banned. A boon time is emerging for the market in recycled and reusable
materials and biodegradable alternatives.
The So Afr-Eco Community Upliftment Project for Rural Women in South Africa is a common example. A
project that proves money can be made from recycling discarded plastic bags into useful items. Based in
the Obanjeni district in Kwazulunatal, it was founded by Jenny Kirkland, who was disgusted with the
proliferation of plastic bags littering South Africa’s countryside. She decided to do something that would
also hire rural women and give them an income. The plastic bags are cut into strips of twine and then
woven together to make hats, bags, doormats and waistcoats. Run as a for-profit business, it now employs
132 families and exports products to 19 countries, including Australia, the USA, the UK, Canada, Sweden
and Poland. South African schools are now provided with sun hats and companies order hats for use at
conferences. The profits made from sales are significant by local standards. For example, the sale of one
beach bag can feed a small family for two weeks, a hat feeds a family for a week, and a doormat for a
month.
Anita Ahuja, president of the NGO Conserve, has set up a business making fashionable handbags, wallets
and shopping bags from recycled plastic bags in New Delhi, India. Begun in 2003, the project collects plastic
bags on the streets and keeps 60 women employed. The recycling process does not require additional
dyes or inks and is non-toxic. The bags are sold in London, UK and will soon be sold in Italy by the
Benetton clothing chain.
“We braided them and tried weaving them, but the plastic would come loose. Then we hit upon the idea of
pressing them to make sheets,” Ahuja said.
But this issue can be more complex than it first seems. After South Africa banned plastic bags of less than
30 microns in 2003, many poor entrepreneurs have complained that it hit hard their making of hats,
handbags, purses and scrubbing brushes from them – something that had become a good livelihood.
After the bags are banned, environmentalists say the best option is to use reusable bags made of
materials that don’t harm the environment during production and don’t need to be discarded after use.
Alternatives to plastic bags include traditional African baskets or kiondos as they are known in Kenya. Made
from sisal and sometimes with leather or wooden handles, the handmade bags support many local women
(http://www.propoortourism-kenya.org/african_bags.htm).
In Kenya, entrepreneurs have also stepped in to offer alternatives to plastic and kiondos. Supermarkets
and shops in the country distribute 11 million plastic shopping bags a year, so Joseph Ayuka of
Greensphere Enterprises has begun to market cotton bags for their easy portability. “People don’t want to
carry bulky bags to the supermarket”, he said.
LINKS:
n A Bangladesh case study on social entrepreneurs turning refuse into wealth:
http://proxied.changemakers.net/journal/01may/index.cfm
n The Ethical Super Store has a wide range of recycled shopping bags and hand bags made to Fair Trade
standards.
n A collective of women in the slums of Delhi, India sell fashionable recycled shopping bags online:
http://www.theindiashop.co.uk/
n Hong Kong’s first enterprise to make and sell recycled bags: http://www.recyclebag.net/eng/
7. Humanizing the Digital Age
Undoubtedly, the advance of information and communication technology (ICT) has provided a powerful tool
for development, offering developing countries opportunities to improve healthcare, enhance education and
allow for greater communication with their citizenry. Despite these advances, there remains a large gap
between those who have access to ICT and use it effectively, and those who do not.
Humanizing the Digital Age presents addressing this gap. Composed of a collection of articles submitted to
the conference on the “Impact of the Information Revolution on Global Development: How to Humanize the
Digital Age” co-sponsored by Kadir Has University and Fordham University, the book examines the impact of
the information and communication revolution on the world, including the major role it plays in providing
unprecedented opportunities for economic and human development and how this revolution must be
humanized with people placed at the center of all concerns to prevent the creation of a new divide—the
“digital divide”.
Edited by Uner Kirdar, Senior Advisor to the United Nations, the book incorporates authors from a wide
variety of interdisciplinary backgrounds dealing with ICT. The authors focus on the impact of the information
revolution from entrepreneurial perspectives, lessons for emerging market economies, the importance of
ICT to South-South Cooperation, the close relationship between human development and the new ICT
revolution and best practices and lessons gained from the experiences of Ireland, Spain, India, China and
Turkey.
This publication is the result of a shared undertaking by the UNDP Special Unit for South-South Cooperation
(SU/SSC), the United Nations Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies for
Development, Kadir Has University, Fordham University and ESADE Business School.
“Humanizing the Digital Age” is a United Nations publication and is available online at https://unp.un.org
8. Window on the World
Job Opportunities
n Knowledge Management for SMEs
--This new report puts the concepts into context and shows how, through mistakes and successes of
case studies, how theory can be applied in practice to build sustainable competitive advantage and
ensure future growth and development.
Website: ResearchsandMarkets.com
n The Shock of the Old: Technology in Global History Since 1900
by David Edgerton, Publisher: Profile Books
--Edgerton is impressed by Creole technologies, like the 5,000-strong motor repair shop in Ghana, the
Malaysian Tuk-Tuk scooter rickshaw, or the Bengali well pump-powered boats.
Website: www.amazon.co.uk
n The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries Are Failing and What Can Be Done About It
by Paul Collier, Publisher: Oxford University Press
Website: www.amazon.com
n Imagine Africa: The Campaign to Promote and Strengthen African Arts
A new website to promote African artists.
Website: www.imagineafrica.org
n Plan B 2.0: Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble
by Lester Brown, Publisher: Norton
Website: www.amazon.com
n Wireless Networking in the Developing World
by Rob Flickenger, Corinna Aichele, Carlo Fonda, Jim Forster, Ian Howard, Tomas Krag and Marco
Zennaro, Publisher: Creative Commons Attribution
Website: http://www.lulu.com/content/223168
n Africa Recruit Job Compendium
n Africa Union
n CARE
n Christian Children&'s Fund
n ECOWAS
n International Crisis Group
n International Medical Corps
n International Rescue Committee
n Internews
n IREX
n Organization for International Migration
n Oxfam
n Relief Web Job Compendium (UN OCHA) (1)
n Relief Web Job Compendium (UN OCHA) (2)
n Save the Children
n The Development Executive Group job
compendium
n Trust Africa
n UN Jobs
n UNDP
n UNESCO
n UNICEF
n World Bank
n World Wildlife Fund (Cameroon)
Please feel free to send your comments, feedback and/or suggestions to Cosmas Gitta
[cosmas.gitta@undp.org] Chief, Division for Policy, Special Unit for South-South Cooperation
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