Technology Salon

Technology Salon Exclusive: How ICT Can Catalyze Enterprise Competitiveness

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:28:00 GMT

As a subscriber to the Technology Salon, I'm proud to offer you this exclusive sneak peek at "How Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can Catalyze Enterprise Competitiveness", a brief from the Business Growth Initiative (BGI), that's not yet released publicly: Download "How ICT Can Catalyze Enterprise Competitiveness" <a href="http://technologysalon.org/files/ICT-Catalyst-11-11-09.pdf">http://technologysalon.org/files/ICT-Catalyst-11-11-09.pdf</a> This Thursday, we'll review this brief with its author, Michael Ducker, an ICT development specialist focused on supporting ICT, entrepreneurs and innovation. Our input may be included in the brief before its published. So please be sure to RSVP - spots are filling up fast and this will be a lively discussion around enterprise competitiveness and donor funding at the intersection of technology and development. How Can Donors Improve Enterprise Competitiveness with ICT? <a href="http://technologysalon.org/2009/11/improve-enterprise-competitiveness.html">http://technologysalon.org/2009/11/improve-enterprise-competitiveness.html</a> November Technology Salon Thursday, November 19, 8:30-10am UN Foundation Conference Room 1800 Mass Avenue, NW, Suite 400 Map: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/53hdo4">http://tinyurl.com/53hdo4</a> Do note that we'll have hot coffee and Krispe Kreme donuts for a morning rush, but seating is limited and the UN Foundation is in a secure building. So the first fifteen (15) to RSVP <a href="mailto:wayan@technologysalon.org">wayan@technologysalon.org</a> will be confirmed attendance and then there will be a waitlist.

Next Thursday: Can Donors Improve Enterprise Competitiveness with ICT?

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:15:00 GMT

This is a reminder that next Thursday, at the November Technology Salon, we'll get an exclusive sneak peak at "How Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can Catalyze Enterprise Competitiveness", a brief from the Business Growth Initiative (BGI), that's not yet released. In our forum, we'll be able to review this brief with its author, Michael Ducker, an ICT development specialist focused on supporting ICT, entrepreneurs and innovation. Our input may be included in the brief before its published. So please be sure to RSVP - spots are filling up fast and this will be a lively discussion around enterprise competitiveness and donor funding at the intersection of technology and development. How Can Donors Improve Enterprise Competitiveness with ICT? <a href="http://technologysalon.org/2009/11/improve-enterprise-competitiveness.html">http://technologysalon.org/2009/11/improve-enterprise-competitiveness.html</a> November Technology Salon Thursday, November 19, 8:30-10am UN Foundation Conference Room 1800 Mass Avenue, NW, Suite 400 Map: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/53hdo4">http://tinyurl.com/53hdo4</a> Do note that we'll have hot coffee and Krispe Kreme donuts for a morning rush, but seating is limited and the UN Foundation is in a secure building. So the first fifteen (15) to RSVP <a href="mailto:wayan@technologysalon.org">wayan@technologysalon.org</a> will be confirmed attendance and then there will be a waitlist.

Nov 19: Can Donors Improve Enterprise Competitiveness with ICT?

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:19:00 GMT

Competitive private companies know that just adopting the tools of ICT will not magically lead to productivity gains - it takes much change and investments in business processes to really reap the rewards that ICT can bring. But this basic tenant can be lost in the hype around specific devices or technologies. So how can donor-funded projects that aim to increase enterprise competitiveness using ICT, make sure companies can take advantage of technological advances to create a sustainable advantage? Or even a strategic advantage. In the November Technology Salon, we'll get an exclusive sneak peak at "How Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can Catalyze Enterprise Competitiveness", a brief from the Business Growth Initiative (BGI), that's not yet released. In our forum, we'll be able to review this brief with its author, Michael Ducker, an ICT development specialist focused on supporting ICT, entrepreneurs and innovation. Our input may be included in the brief before its published. So please join us Thursday, November 19, for what will be a lively discussion around enterprise competitiveness and donor funding at the intersection of technology and development. How Can Donors Improve Enterprise Competitiveness with ICT? November Technology Salon Thursday, November 19, 8:30-10am UN Foundation Conference Room 1800 Mass Avenue, NW, Suite 400 Map: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/53hdo4">http://tinyurl.com/53hdo4</a> Do note that we'll have hot coffee and Krispe Kreme donuts for a morning rush, but seating is limited and the UN Foundation is in a secure building. So the first fifteen (15) to RSVP <a href="mailto:wayan@technologysalon.org">wayan@technologysalon.org</a> will be confirmed attendance and then there will be a waitlist.

ICT4D Sustainability: Relative to Observer, Absolute for Scale

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:43:00 GMT

In yesterday's Technology Salon, we had an intense debate on ICT4D sustainability and scale. After an hour of lively discussion around what both mean to information and communication technology programs, we were just starting to pull back the layers around the topics. We quickly found that there were many definitions of sustainability and scale. Maybe too many, as these terms differed wildly across implementers and donors. And, as you can see in the comments to the meeting synopsis, there is the strong opinion that development has an unbroken string of failures in ICT4D, since none of the projects have scaled to the extent of mobile phones. So check out our thoughts and add your opinion: ICT4D Sustainability: Relative to Observer, Absolute for Scale <a href="http://technologysalon.org/2009/10/sustainability-absolute-for-scale.html">http://technologysalon.org/2009/10/sustainability-absolute-for-scale.html</a> Also, if you are participating in the upcoming mHealth Summit next week, be sure to RSVP for the grassroots Tweet-Up on Thursday evening: <a href="http://mhs09.eventbrite.com">http://mhs09.eventbrite.com</a> I'm expecting it will be a Technology Salon on a grand scale. Thanks, Wayan <a href="http://twitter.com/wayan_vota">http://twitter.com/wayan_vota</a> .

Reminder: RSVP for Thursday's "Sustainability" and "Scale" Technology Salon

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:54:00 GMT

This Thursday, we'll be discussing our shared definition of both "sustainability" and "scale" with information and communication technology programs in international development. We have several questions to consider, led by AU Scholar-in-Residence, Kerry McNamara: Is sustainability when projects are self-funding, like a for-profit business, and is scale reaching an entire country? Or can sustainability be reached by a dedicated funder, like government, and can scale be just a community large enough to support sustainability? Also, is sustainability and scale different for different sectors in the developing world? Could donor support be a valid business model in education or health - two sectors dominated by government support in developed countries - while finance and agriculture are required to source private sector income streams? Please RSVP to join us Thursday, October 22, for what will be a lively discussion around sustainability and scale at the intersection of technology and development: "Sustainability" and "Scale": What's that really mean for ICT4D? <a href="http://technologysalon.org/2009/10/ict4d-sustainability-and-scale.htm">http://technologysalon.org/2009/10/ict4d-sustainability-and-scale.htm</a> October Technology Salon Thursday, October 22, 8:30-10am UN Foundation Conference Room 1800 Mass Avenue, NW, Suite 400 Washington, D.C. 20036 Map: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/53hdo4">http://tinyurl.com/53hdo4</a> Do note that we'll have hot coffee and Krispe Kreme donuts for a morning rush, but seating is limited and the UN Foundation is in a secure building. So the first fifteen (15) to RSVP at <a href="mailto:wayan@technologysalon.org">wayan@technologysalon.org</a> will be confirmed attendance and then there will be a waitlist.

Next Thursday: "Sustainability" and "Scale": What's that really mean for ICT4D?

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:16:00 GMT

What might be our shared definition of both "sustainability" and "scale" with information and communication technology programs in international development? Is sustainability when projects are self-funding, like a for-profit business, and is scale reaching an entire country? Or can sustainability be reached by a dedicated funder, like government, and can scale be just a community large enough to support sustainability? Also, is sustainability and scale different for different sectors in the developing world? Could donor support be a valid business model in education or health - two sectors dominated by government support in developed countries - while finance and agriculture are required to source private sector income streams? Please join us Thursday, October 22, for what will be a lively discussion around sustainability and scale at the intersection of technology and development, lead by Kerry McNamara, a Scholar-in-Residence at American University and a noted expert on technology and development. "Sustainability" and "Scale": What's that really mean for ICT4D? <a href="http://technologysalon.org/2009/10/ict4d-sustainability-and-scale.htm">http://technologysalon.org/2009/10/ict4d-sustainability-and-scale.htm</a> l October Technology Salon Thursday, October 22, 8:30-10am UN Foundation Conference Room 1800 Mass Avenue, NW, Suite 400 Washington, D.C. 20036 Map: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/53hdo4">http://tinyurl.com/53hdo4</a> Do note that we'll have hot coffee and Krispe Kreme donuts for a morning rush, but seating is limited and the UN Foundation is in a secure building. So the first fifteen (15) to RSVP at <a href="mailto:wayan@technologysalon.org">wayan@technologysalon.org</a> will be confirmed attendance and then there will be a waitlist.

mHealth Really Means Mobility, Information, Connectivity & Feedback

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Last week we had an amazing Technology Salon with strong opinions from a diverse collection of technology and development professionals who were all grappling with what the "m" in mHealth really meant to them. And the impact from this discussion were immediate. Ideas from the Salon made it into the Mobile Innovations for Social and Economic Transformation at the World Bank yesterday. Now today its your turn to read about our discussion here: Technology Salon Synopsis: mHealth Means Mobility, Information, Connectivity & Feedback <a href="http://technologysalon.org/2009/09/mhealth-means-more-than-mobility.html">http://technologysalon.org/2009/09/mhealth-means-more-than-mobility.html</a> As you absorb our discussion outcomes, I have two favors to ask: <ol> <li>Help me expand the conversation: Please recommend the Technology Salon to your development and technology colleagues, and ask them to sign up for meeting announcements here: <a href="http://technologysalon.org/join/">http://technologysalon.org/join/</a> </li><li>Help me expand Salon topics: What compelling development challenge should we focus on next? Do you have an issue and speaker that could engage our group? Then email me now at <a href="mailto:wayan@wayan.com">wayan@wayan.com</a></li></ol> Thanks for your attention, Wayan

RSVP Reminder for Thursday: What Does the "m" in mHealth Really Mean?

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:46:00 GMT

Don't forget to RSVP to <a href="mailto:wayan@technologysalon.org">wayan@technologysalon.org</a> to attend the interesting discussion this Thursday morning. We'll have hot coffee and Krispe Kreme donuts to wake you up for a dive into James BonTempo's very pertinent question about the current mHealth buzz: "Should definition of mHealth include devices (wondering specifically about netbooks) or simply the concept of mobility?" The September Technology Salon will explore what the "m" in mHealth means for those who actually practice mHelath, with field-experienced experts like James BonTempo, Josh Nesbit, and David Isaak. Our goal: a shared definition of mHealth from an implementer's perspective, and a better understanding of mHealth for everyone involved. More info here: <a href="http://technologysalon.org/2009/09/what-does-the-m-in-mhealth-mean.html">http://technologysalon.org/2009/09/what-does-the-m-in-mhealth-mean.html</a> What Does the "m" in mHealth Really Mean? September Technology Salon Thursday, September 10 8:30-10am UN Foundation Conference Room 1800 Mass Avenue, NW, Suite 400 Washington, D.C. 20036 Map: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/53hdo4">http://tinyurl.com/53hdo4</a> Just remember to RSVP to <a href="mailto:wayan@technologysalon.org">wayan@technologysalon.org</a>

Next Thursday - What Does the "m" in mHealth Really Mean?

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:16:00 GMT

In a recent Twitter exchange, James BonTempo asked a very pertinent question about the current mHealth buzz: "Should definition of mHealth include devices (wondering specifically about netbooks) or simply the concept of mobility?" He followed up his initial query with a simple poll that asked if mHealth should include a list of specific platforms or just the concept of mobility. So far, Twitterers agree, the "m" in mHealth should represent mobility, regardless of form factor. But that's different from the general notion of mHelth, represented by the mHealth Wikipedia entry, which focuses on equipment "mHealth is a recent term for medical and public health practice supported by mobile devices, such as mobile phones, patient monitoring devices, PDAs, and other wireless devices" In the September Technology Salon, we'll explore what the "m" in mHealth means for those who actually practice mHelath, with these field-experienced experts: <ul> <li>James BonTempo who says, "Ask someone about mHealth they'll mention (smart)phones and PDAs. But who's counting users with laptops? After all, they are "mobile" devices." </li><li>Josh Nesbit who says, "I tend to frame everything in reference to end users, so the "m" describes the mobility of healthcare workers, facilitated by devices." </li><li>David Isaak who says, "I am definitely in the "m" in mHealth being everything mobile. I usually use the acronym "mICT" for a broader view." </li><li>Wayan Vota who says, "Ask those in mHealth hype and they say (smart)phones. Ask those who DO mHealth and they talk about holistic ICT ecosystems."</li></ul> But enough about what the four of us think. Come out Thursday morning to give your own voice to the conversation. Our goal: a shared definition of mHealth from an implementer's perspective, and a better understanding of mHealth for everyone involved. What Does the "m" in mHealth Really Mean? September Technology Salon Thursday, September 10 8:30-10am UN Foundation Conference Room 1800 Mass Avenue, NW, Suite 400 Washington, D.C. 20036 Map: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/53hdo4">http://tinyurl.com/53hdo4</a> Do note that we'll have hot coffee and Krispe Kreme donuts to wake you up, but seating is limited and the UN Foundation is in a secure building. So the first fifteen (15) to RSVP to <a href="mailto:wayan@technologysalon.org">wayan@technologysalon.org</a> will be confirmed attendance and then there will be a waitlist.

4 Key Themes in Improving Patient Care with ICT in Malawi

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:48:00 GMT

As I listened to Mike McKay, former country director of the Baobab Health Partnership, speak about his organization in the Technology Salon last week, I was struck by four key themes in their solution to improving patient care with ICT in Malawi: <ol> <li>Start with Patient Data </li><li>Keep Technology Easy to Use & Modify </li><li>Always Build Local Capacity </li><li>Project Poverty is an Advantage</li></ol> Now neither Mike, nor Baobab's founder, Gerry Douglas, made all these points explicitly, nor are they obvious lessons to learn, but they are the takeaways I felt we could gain the most from. If you'd like to learn more about our discussion, please read and comment on the meeting synopsis at: <a href="http://technologysalon.org/2009/07/four-key-themes-patient-care.html">http://technologysalon.org/2009/07/four-key-themes-patient-care.html</a> If you have suggestions for topics and discussants to lead the next Technology Salon in September (we're taking August off), please let me know on <a href="mailto:wayan@wayan.com">wayan@wayan.com</a>

Reminder: RSVP for tomorrow's "Improving Patient Care with ICT: A Malawian Example"

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:10:00 GMT

This is a reminder that we have a Technology Salon tomorrow and there is space available for last-minute RSVP's to <a href="mailto:wayan@technologysalon.org">wayan@technologysalon.org</a> ++ Improving Patient Care with ICT: A Malawian Example ++ Baobab Health Partnership is using innovations like touchscreen clinical workstations and unique power systems to guide low-skilled healthcare workers through the diagnosis and treatment of patients according to national protocols. They've even developed a HIV eVCT System - a locally designed and implemented solution to advance medical care in real time for Malawians in resource-poor settings. We'll have Mike McKay, former country director, lead us through their technology choices and into a larger discussion around improving feedback loops inside the clinic, not just above it. We'll also have a hardware show and tell to get acquainted with the technology. Improving Patient Care with ICT: A Malawian Example July Technology Salon Thursday, July 23 8:30-10am UN Foundation Conference Room 1800 Mass Avenue, NW, Suite 400 Washington, D.C. 20036 Map: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/53hdo4">http://tinyurl.com/53hdo4</a>