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865-0066-04L 2 Credits DS , WBZ , NDS D-GESS

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ICT4D – Concepts, Strategies and Good Practices

Does not take place this semester. Only for MAS/CAS in Development and Cooperation students, as well as specialists with at least 24 months of practical experience in international cooperation. ETH doctoral students working on topics related to poverty reduction in low- and middle income countries may also be admitted. ETH MA/MSc students apply with a letter of motivation to the NADEL administration office. Registration only through the NADEL administration office.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:22:01

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) represent the deepest technical change experienced in international development. Digital development strategies need to be broader than ICT strategies. This course assesses the role of ICTs in development, discusses the existing evidence on the impact of ICT on development, and introduces key concepts and methods for ICT4D practice and strategy.

Objective

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) represent the fastest and deepest technical change experienced in international development. By now, they affect every development sector – the work of farmers and micro-entrepreneurs, healthcare workers and microfinance institutions, social mobilization and political change. Yet, the ‘digital dividends’ are unevenly distributed and questions of ‘data justice’ in development are largely unexplored. To close the gap, just greater digital adoption will not be enough. Digital development strategies need to be broader than ICT strategies. This course helps to understand the role of ICTs in development, discusses the existing evidence on the impact of ICT on development, and introduces key concepts and methods for ICT4D practice and strategy.

Content

• ICTs and development: the conceptual links • The impact of ICT on development: evidence from research • Digital revolution and its analog foundations • Concepts, strategies and components needed for ICT4D to work • ICT4D and project cycle management • Good practice in implementing ICT4D • Emerging technologies and models relevant for ICT-enabled development

General Information

Language: English
Levels: DS , WBZ , NDS
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: ungraded semester performance

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	ICT4D – Concepts, Strategies and Good Practices Does not take place this semester. Block course Location: CLD A1	No time listed	40 h semesterly

Offered In

Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (General Courses)
- Further Courses (no SiP-courses)
MAS in Development and Cooperation (The lectures and advanced training courses of NADEL are accessible only for students of the MAS in Development and Cooperation and for qualified employees with at least two years experience in development cooperation. ETH doctoral students working on topics related to poverty reduction in low- and middle income countries may also be admitted.)
- Advanced Training Courses
CAS in Development and Cooperation (Takes place each spring semester and every second autumn semester (odd years).)
- Module