Canada’s 1st Technology Salon kicked off in Toronto in May, addressing How Technology Can Improve Development. An important theme raised was the need for stakeholder or constituent participation (i.e., participatory design) throughout the lifecycle of an international development project, not just at the end.

Well-planned community engagement (i.e., listening to, and following through) is the key to how innovation can sustainably be incorporated into ICT4D projects. One Salon participant said, that project success is about 25%-35% technology, with the remainder as to how it’s incorporated into the local community context, who buys in, and how workers are sensitized to the project.

Engagement means gaining the trust with decision-making being participatory. Digital technology allows one to multiply the way to engage stakeholders . But engagement is only the first step - which has implications at the local level, as well as managing donor expectations and drive for results and progress. A common theme was the need for education donors to consider designing projects that build on successful initiatives rather than trying to create something new (i.e., innovation challenge grants), and focus on funding and scaling up models that work and are really effective.

Many Interventions, Not Just One

Community radio still overwhelmingly reaches most people, but mobiles are catching up  However, regardless of the technology used, there’s still a disconnect between what the funders want, and what the community needs - it is often a case of well-intentioned people with a hammer, looking for nails…

Participants said multiple tools and different approaches are needed to achieve the outcomes that make a difference in people’s lives. Consider:

• SIM cards are more important than phone ownership
  
  
• Gender differences - men communicate through mobiles even as a way to get radio - women have limited access to mobiles and depend more upon the older technology - specifically, radios.
  
  
• Reality radio in Mali   - youth connecting with agriculture to try different approaches  and show what’s possible.
  
  
• The One Laptop Per Child project- focuses primarily on the end-user, but teachers are also important to engage with (and are the decision-makers) to get them on your side.
  
  
• As more women get into the design of phones, the mobile form factor may change
  
  
• Cheaper devices increase the likelihood that young people will have them.
  
  

Of importance, is an ecosystem approach that integrates insight about local culture and engages trusted intermediaries is. It’s less about technology outcomes. One participant said  ‘do the risk-assessment first, and find out who will move first and second in adopting the technology’. Then, test through 100-200 person with self-reporting, to make the necessary changes on a technical and behavioural / adoption level.

May 21st Toronto Salon - RSVP Now

We have all seen the pretty pictures of children playing with fancy new gadgets, and while the photos are uplifting, do they really signify progress?

• Does the introduction of new technology, specifically information and communication technologies like mobile phones, computers, and the Internet really accelerate the social and economic advancement of the developing world?
• Will Asian Tigers and African Lions use wireless communications and new big and open data systems to leapfrog legacy infrastructure and reap digital as well as demographic dividends?
• Or might we be overestimating the reach of modern technology? Could new solutions and their diffusion patterns inevitably widen the digital divide?
• And are we actually imposing Western values and suppressing local businesses with extractive electronic tools no better than colonial powers of the past?
  

 These are the big questions we'll be asking, and seeking answers to, at the 1st Technology Salon Canada on May 21st in Toronto, Ontario with Development Wisdom.

Please RSVP now to join an intimate gathering of 35 thought leaders and decision makers in technology and international development for what will be a lively yet informal discussions on the opportunities and challenges in using the tools of tomorrow to create lasting change today.

We will be joined by two noted experts in the field who will start the session with their thoughts on the topic; Jacob Korenblum, CEO of Souktel Development Solutions and Mark Leclair, Knowledge Manager at Farm Radio International. 

Then, we'll quickly jump into the heart of the Salon - an open and lively discussion moderated by Wayan Vota co-founder of Technology Salon, with everyone participating as equal peers with their thoughts, ideas, and opinions.

How Can Tech Improve Development?
1st Technology Salon Canada
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
9:00-11:00 am
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment
Ministry of Research and Innovation
Toronto, Canada 

We’ll have hot coffee and a light breakfast for a morning rush but seating is limited, so be sure to RSVP now to be confirmed for attendance. RSVP is required and once we reach our 35-person capacity there will be a waiting list.

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About the Technology Salon
The Technology Salon™ is an intimate, informal, and in person, discussion between information and communication technology experts and international development professionals, with a focus on both:

• technology's impact on donor-sponsored technical assistance delivery, and
• private enterprise driven economic development, facilitated by technology.

Our meetings are lively conversations, not boring presentations. Attendance is capped at 35 people - and frank participation with ideas, opinions, and predictions is actively encouraged. 

Development Wisdom, which convenes Tech Salons in Canada, is a non-profit organization that develops and implements wise and sustainable education, entrepreneurial and ICT solutions that empower vulnerable, at-risk and marginalized youth and adults in Canada and internationally

Join us today to meet others motivated to employ technology to solve vexing development problems!