Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) critique

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper reconstructs the major points of criticism of both research and practice of Information and Communication Technologies for/and Development (ICT4D/ICTD). Since ICT4D/ICTD was established both as a stream in development work and as an academic field of study, numerous critical reflections on its norms, theories, methods, and consequences were published. This paper provides a first comprehensive compilation and synthesis of what the authors term ICT4D critique. The authors recount criticism about the modus operandi of ICT4D research, the alleged weakness of theories and lack of quality, research gaps, and the politics of ICT4D research. They further recite criticism of the neoliberal orientation of ICT4D practice, the lack of user-centric projects, Eurocentrism and techno-optimism, and the lack of ethical reflection in the field. This paper is intended to serve as a resource and point of reference for students, researchers, and practitioners, in particular those who are new to the field.