ICT from the bottom of the pyramid: Design and/or de-construction?

Abstract

This paper reflects and calls for action on the possibility of using Information and Communication Technologies at the Bottom of the Pyramid by turning the pyramid into a diamond of knowledge creation and knowledge sharing. It tries to show what is at the heart of the challenges that C.K. Prahalad suggests in his vision of the Fortune from the Bottom of the Pyramid. Then it searches a theoretical basis of his claims in Transaction Cost Theory. However Transaction Cost Theory may itself be challenged using the theory of Max Boisot on Information Space and Social Learning, where data is taken to be a productive force along with labor and capital. The potential in the development of a better theory may then be formulated based on economizing on data. Knowledge creation and knowledge sharing at the bottom of the pyramid turns out to be the essence of what the design of ICT may contribute to a landscape of fair globalization. The role of ICT is taking to be support and enhancement of a balance between three forces Information Space and Social Learning: power, culture and knowledge. Finally it suggests a further meandering by a reflection on the need for the de-construction of Western thinking on economy, technology and knowledge. © 2006 International Federation for Information Processing.