Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: There are complex and nuanced inequalities with regard to information and communication related-technologies (ICTs), especially the internet, in the context of developing nations. Focusing on an exploratory two phase study of ICT-related development projects, this paper uses the terminology of digital inequalities rather than digital divides and examines the phenomenon of ‘partnerships’ or alliances to promote development. It especially examines twenty-three projects out of a broader review of 122 projects; the twenty–three all involve at least one international organization as a partner. Particular attention is paid to partnership patterns and processes including possible knowledge transfer or organizational learning. Major findings include the presence of bandwagoning effects in the formation of partnerships and inequalities among participating partners. Such inequalities involve, in almost every case, the absence of both sustained knowledge sharing and collaborative decision-making. It appears that there are very loose definitions of partnerships and questions about future sustainability of the projects.