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Casting Votes on the Internet
By Alexander H. Trechsel, Urs Gasser  |  April 17, 2013
Switzerland & the Future of Elections The Internet has had a profound impact on the way contemporary democracies work. Neither processes, such as electoral campaigns, nor actors, such as candidates, political parties or movements, are immune to the myriad challenges and opportunities offered by new media. The same goes for various fundamental institutions of democracy, such as parliaments and governments, which have adopted Internet-based strategies for both internal and external information and communication needs.
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Empowering Communities
By Hamadoun I. Touré  |  January 31, 2013
The role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), particularly broadband, in boosting economic growth and national competitiveness is now widely recognized. The ICT infrastructure is today both a vital national asset and an investment in a nation’s future competitiveness in the growing global digital economy.
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Cellular Citizenship
By Annika Sweetland, Matt Berg, Prabhas Pokharel, Vijay Modi  |  January 31, 2013
In Nigeria, hundreds of government-hired enumerators armed with GPS-enabled smartphones have systematically been visiting schools, water points, and health facilities across the country. At each location they take a photo, record a GPS point, and with the aid of a mobile data collection form, assess local capacity based on the availability of necessary human and material resources—such as basic infrastructure, staffing, furniture, and tools—to deliver a given service. For example, is a water point functional and being used? Does a clinic have adequate equipment, medicines, and staffing to deliver care? Does a school have a roof, teachers, desks, and books?
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