Scoping Study

Approaches from the South

In 2003, IISD led a scoping study to assess the potential for engaging researchers younger than 30 in linking information society and sustainable development policy-makers, and in catalyzing changes in policy and practice in developing countries around the convergence of the two communities.

IISD's literature revealed that while considerable research on the information society and sustainable development had been conducted, it was primarily focused on applications and policy frameworks in Europe and North America. Key areas of convergence in these regions include:

Relying on the conclusions of the scoping study, and seeking to enrich the dialogue, IISD coordinated a national policy research project in Costa Rica, Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, India and Egypt, with the hope of introducing new approaches based on the more mature state of national dialogues around sustainable development. Tapping into the vast diversity of Southern interpretations of the information society and sustainable development, seven young researchers from these countries endeavored to connect policy-makers, practitioners and academics from the two communities, via national consultations and workshops.

For more information, see National Case Studies.

Supporters

IISD gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC).