ICT4D & the sustainable development goals

Abstract

The field of ICT4D (ICT for Development) entails using ICTs in support of the international development agenda, such as efforts against poverty or for better education in developing countries. The conceptualisation of ICT4D strongly depends on what is understood as international development itself. Hence, this paper argues that the introduction of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 can be understood as a caesura not only for conceptualising development, but, in turn, for conceptualising ICT4D, as well. On the basis of literature review, this paper analyses the SDG framework and applies it to theories of ICT4D, outlining to which extent this new development agenda requires new approaches to ICT4D. In doing so, this article aims to sensitise the reader towards the challenges and potential dilemmas emerging from this transition and to spark debate on how to conceptualise ICT4D in response.