Title: The Revolution Will Be Mapped
Author: Bob Burtman
Source: Miller-McCune.com
Publisher: Miller–McCune Inc.
Date (published): 28/12/2009
Date (accessed): 03/01/2009
Type of information: article
Language: English
On-line access: yes (HTML)
Abstract:
GIS mapping technology is helping underprivileged communities get better services — from education and transportation to health care and law enforcement — by showing exactly what discrimination looks like.

Author: Alejandro Uribe Tirado
Date (accessed): 03/01/2010
Type of information: blog posts
Language: Spanish
On-line access: yes (HTML)
Abstract:

Alfabetización Informacional - ALFIN / Colombia

Alfabetización Informacional / Iberoamérica

Title: Technology to heal a nation
Author: Daniel Howden
Source: independent.co.uk
Publisher: The Independent
Date (published): 01/01/2010
Date (accessed): 03/01/2010
Type of information: article
Language: English
On-line access: yes (HTML)
Abstract:
Rural African lives are being transformed by clinics with computers and scanners.
(via http://twitter.com/phat_controller )

Title: Mixed-use Incubator Handbook: A Start-up Guide for Incubator Developers
Author: Mark Davies
Pages: 30 pp.
Publisher: Information for Development Program (infoDev) and the World Bank Group
Date (published): August 2009
Date (accessed): 03/01/2010
Type of information: handbook
Language: English
On-line access: yes (pdf)
Abstract:
Business incubation formally began in the US in the 1960s, and later developed in the UK and Europe through various related forms (eg. Innovation centres, technopoles/science parks). It is recognized as a way of meeting a variety of economic and socio-economic policy needs.

In general, an incubator is a physical location that provides a defined set of services to individuals or small companies. This may include specific types of office space, flexible lease terms, access to technology, financing, and technical assistance (such as marketing, legal, finance, HR, and other business development services). By locating similar or complementary entities in proximity to each other, the incubator may also play a critical role in promoting knowledge transfer, both formally and informally.

Recently in developing countries, and under the guidance and promotion of organizations like infoDev, incubation has become an interesting approach to accelerate the development of technologies, industries and business skills. However, it should be noted that the needs of these communities can often be radically different to a more mature corporate environment where education, business training, and public institutional support may be a completely different context to Europe and the United States.

This report is aimed at the context of developing countries, and is intended to be a useful tool for anyone considering setting up an incubator.

Title: A Model for Sustainable ICT Incubators in Sub-Saharan Africa
Author: Innovative Partners Inc.
Pages: 112 pp.
Publisher: Information for Development Program (infoDev) and the World Bank Group
Date (published): May 2009
Date (accessed): 03/01/2010
Type of information: research report
Language: English
On-line access: yes (pdf)
Abstract:
While technology incubators in the US and other developed countries have an implied mission of moving companies through a program, graduating them and sending them out into the community as part of a larger economic strategy, the absence of support infrastructure in the Sub-Saharan countries in question (excepting South Africa) is less well developed and there may be less incentive to graduate to another facility. In addition, the access to services which may be found in the local neighborhood in developed country incubators may be completely unattainable in Sub-Saharan Africa. Finally, there is the ever-present question of access to capital which, while available in the developed world is often simply non-existent outside of it.

To explore this area further, infoDev commissioned a study, with support from IFC, that had two primary aims:

1. Draw lessons from sustainable ICT business incubators to develop a model that could be implemented at scale in developing countries, particularly in the Africa region; and
2. Propose an investment framework for evaluating prospective and existing ICT business incubators, as well as innovative mechanisms for addressing the financing needs of the incubated SMEs.
The report produced from the study includes:

The findings from the study are provided in the report and include the following:

1. Results from detailed case studies of sustainable ICT business incubators in Chile, Colombia, Armenia, Jordan, and South Africa;
2. A good practice ICT incubator model based on the lessons drawn from these case studies, including how this model could be adapted and implemented in the Africa region;
3. Recommendations on how to evaluate a business incubator as a potential investment opportunity; and
4. Recommendations on how to leverage business incubators to address early-stage financing needs of SMEs