Submission deadline: May 1, 2005
Information Communication Technologies and Human Development: Opportunities and Challenges A book edited by Mila Gascó-Hernández (International Institute on Governance of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain), Fran Equiza-López (Intermón-Oxfam, Barcelona, Spain), and Manuel Acevedo-Ruiz (Independent consultant, Madrid, Spain)
Introduction Technology has always played a decisive role in humanity progress. Throughout history, it has not only strengthened economic development but has become a powerful tool for human development from a Senian point of view (that is, human development as the capacity of an individual to live the life s/he considers worthy living). Nevertheless, the positive impacts technology may have on human development may become tainted by the risks it entails. Left adrift, the technological tools may become a dangerous and wicked instrument. They may give rise to a social exclusion, economic inequality, tension and violence growth. That is why it is so important to design human development policies in the context of the information and knowledge society that promote the use of new technologies in the widening of the basic structure of rights and opportunities that allow the individuals to exercise their freedom to develop those capacities and to fulfill those achievements that give sense to their lives.
The Overall Objective of the Book This book is aimed at understanding how ICTs can contribute to human development in several areas. Therefore, it aspires to describe the link between ICTs and human development (which includes economic, social and political development), to identify the potential applications of ICTs in several areas, and to provide insightful analysis about those factors (also contextual and institutional ones) that affect ICTs for development initiatives success or failure.
The Target Audience The book will be useful to politicians and public sector officials (civil servants) who need a convenient source of information on what ICTs can do for the development of their communities. It will also provide insights and support to development professionals who want to further explore the potential of ICTs for development such as headquarters and field offices staff of large development organizations, NGOs staff and volunteers or bilateral development agencies staff. Finally, it will interest academicians, researchers and students interested in the ICTs for development field.
Recommended topics include but are not limited to the following: ICTs and education ICTs and health ICTs and agriculture ICTs and commerce ICTs and citizen participation ICTs and the environment ICTs and disasters management ICTs and poverty alleviation ICTs and gender equality ICTs and human rights ICTs and international cooperation The digital divide The conceptual link between ICTs and human development
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit on or before May 1, 2005, a 2-5 page manuscript proposal clearly explaining the mission and concerns of the proposed chapter. Authors of accepted proposals will be notified by May 15, 2005 about the status of their proposals and sent chapter organizational guidelines. Full chapters are expected to be submitted by August 15, 2005. All submitted chapters will be reviewed on a blind review basis. The book is scheduled to be published by Idea Group, Inc., www.idea-group.com, publisher of the Idea Group Publishing, Information Science Publishing, IRM Press, CyberTech Publishing, and Idea Group Reference imprints in 2005.
Inquiries and submissions can be forwarded electronically (Word document) or by mail to:
Dr. Mila Gascó-Hernández C/ Balmes 335-337, entlo. 1ª 08006 Barcelona (Spain) Tel.: 34-93-2370388 Fax: 34-93-2376026 e-mail: mila.gasco@iigov.org or mgascoh@uoc.edu
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