Study Groups | DSA Ireland

ICT4D (information & communications technology for development) broadly refers to the application of technology toward social, political, cultural, economic, and environmental development in low-income and low-resource settings. The emphasis is on helping poor and marginalized people and communities, primarily in the Global South. Amongst the main aims of ICT4D are the use of technology to deliver a greater good, to improve healthcare provision, to provide more equitable access to ICT, and to aid international development by extending the benefits of technology more widely in society to mitigate the negative effects of the digital divide.

The ICT4D study group aims to establish an ICT4D community comprised of academics, researchers, development practitioners and anyone else interested in the field. The aim is to provide a focal point for discussion, learning, debate, collaboration and the sharing and dissemination of research. One of the main benefits of the study group is the bringing together of researchers and practitioners who are working in close geographical proximity on the Island of Ireland. This will allow us to interact more frequently, develop relationships, and benefit from a wider range of activities such as reading groups, workshops, summer schools, and conferences. This is particularly important in the field of ICT4D where researchers and practitioners typically meet only once or twice a year at one of the mainstream ICT4D conferences.

Another aim of this study group is to create a strong base for practice and research which should enable members of the group to become more research active. This would include stimulating, facilitating, and providing feedback on new research in the field. The hope is that this research would evolve to a level appropriate for the DSAI working paper series or presentation at the ICT4D stream of the DSAI annual conference. This should also allow us to enhance our responsiveness to research opportunities and funding calls that require stakeholder involvement beyond a single institution, individual, or project.

This group is co-convened by Dr P.J. Wall - Lecturer, Department of Business & Management SETU Carlow & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Trinity College Dublin and Dr Timothy Savage, Assistant Professor School of Computer Science and Statistics, Lloyd Institute, Trinity College Dublin

The ICT4D study group is open to all members of DSA Ireland. If you are interested in joining the study group please contact the PJ via twitter: @pj_wall or to ict4d@dsaireland.org with your name, institution/NGO affiliation, contact details and research/practice interests.

Latest Updates & Resources from ICT4D Study Group:

June 2023 Summer School: https://www.dsaireland.org/activities/summer-school/2023-programme/
May 2022 Event: https://www.dsaireland.org/updates/events/ethics-ai-and-digital-innovation-in-the-global-south-an-evol/
Feb 2020 Event: Open Talk: Technology, Development, and a Socio-Technical Approach
Feb 2020 Update: Call for Papers Reminder: Call for Papers for European Conference on the Social Implications of Computers in Developing Countries

Convenors

Dr Tim Savage

Dr Savage is an Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science and Statistics in Trinity College, the University of Dublin. His current research and teaching focuses on education for sustainable development with a particular focus on creating authentic and situated case-based teaching and learning experiences from the Global South. Prior to this his focus has been on the role technology can play in higher education.

Tim has undertaken many roles within Trinity College including being the inaugural Associate Dean of Online Education and leading the online education initiative and strategy. More recently he was the Project Director of the CHARM-EU European University, a 5 institution collaborative organisation for the delivery of an innovative Masters in Global Challenges for Sustainability and served as the inaugural Chair of the CHARM-EU Board of Examiners and remains a Senior Advisor. This course utilised a challenge-based learning approach and focuses students addressing authentic sustainability challenges within their own locations and contexts. Dr Savage holds a PhD, MSc, and H. Dip from Trinity College and a BA (Hons) from the University of East Anglia.

P.J. Wall

Dr. P.J. Wall is a Research Fellow and lecturer with both the ADAPT Center and the School of Religion in Trinity College Dublin. His research explores digital innovation in the Global South, with a specific focus on the ethical, social, cultural and political aspects associated with the implementation and use of mobile technologies for healthcare in Africa.

P.J. has over 20 years’ experience teaching in a variety of third level institutions including TCD, the University of Manchester, Institute of Technology Carlow and the National College of Ireland. P.J. has also worked with a variety of national and international development organisations, governmental bodies and NGO’s where he has gained extensive in-country development experience in a variety of countries including Sierra Leone, India, Nepal, Kenya, Tanzania and Guyana. P.J. holds a PhD from the School of Computer Science in TCD, a Master’s Degree from the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business, and a Batchelor’s degree in Accounting from the Institute of Public Administration (UCD).

Linked Resource

Opening Panel Discussion on Territories of Technology, Innovation and Development

Issued on 22 November 2023

Information, Technology and Development (ICT4D) Study Group