From: Economic Geography Research Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Peter Dannenberg
Sent: 15 November 2017 13:11
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: CfP - GCEG2018: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Development

 

with apologies for x-posting

 

CALL FOR PAPERS

 

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Development

 

Global Conference on Economic Geography

July 24 – 28, 2018, University of Cologne

 

Organizers:

Peter Dannenberg (University of Cologne)

Julia Verne (University of Bonn)

 

 In the last decade a large debate has grown on the potentials of information and communication technology for development (ICT4D). This debate was fueled by the rapid distribution of mobile phones and currently also the internet to most developing countries including even remote areas and poor income groups. Various studies came to the conclusion that ICT is clearly improving the economic and social development of large numbers of people, businesses, and whole societies. However, going through the scientific literature of the last years, it becomes obvious, that this positive perspective is partly driven by wishful thinking and younger studies also indicate negative effects (e.g. a digital divide or increasing dependencies of small scale businesses).

This session aims to contribute to a more robust and differentiated scientific foundation on ICT for development by presenting and critically discussing fresh conceptual and empirical findings on information and communication technologies in developing countries.

Presentations shall e.g. include ICT-related dynamics and spatial configurations in: knowledge access and exchanges; livelihoods; inequalities, labor relations, business relations and opportunities; value chain configurations, development policies.

Please submit your abstract through the conference website between November 15th 2017 and March 15th 2018: https://www.gceg2018.com. For further inquiry feel free to contact Peter Dannenberg ([log in to unmask]) or Julia Verne ([log in to unmask])