Constructing an AI Value Chain and Ecosystem Model

Richard Heeks

26 September 2024

In this blogpost, I summarise the creation of an AI value chain and ecosystem model, based on the recently-published paper, “Constructing an AI Value Chain and Ecosystem Model”. The aim was to provide a robust and comprehensive framework for understanding how value is created in the AI landscape.  While AI is driving major shifts across … Continue reading Constructing an AI Value Chain and Ecosystem Model

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The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Transformation

Taiyuan Zeng

27 August 2024

In the context of the digital revolution, increasing numbers of enterprises are realising that the digital transformation (DT) is the key to maintain the competitiveness in global business environment, and are considering the DT as a crucial strategic plan for the sustainable growth of their businesses in the future [1]. In 2022, the global spending … Continue reading The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Transformation

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Checklist for Digital-Transformation-for-Development (DX4D) Research

Richard Heeks

26 July 2024

The checklist below derives from the Principles for DX4D Research and Consulting, modified on the basis of presentation to an international development audience, and a revision workshop of digital development researchers. It is intended for use by researchers undertaking DX4D research, to help improve the fit of that research with the particular nature of digital … Continue reading Checklist for Digital-Transformation-for-Development (DX4D) Research

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Bridging the AI Divide: Socio-Technical Perspectives on AI in Developing Countries

Aishatu Mohammed Lawan

22 July 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key driver of the fourth industrial revolution, reshaping industries and organisational dynamics worldwide. Economically, AI is projected to contribute a staggering $13 trillion to the global economy by 2030 and create 250–280 million jobs . Despite the AI adoption challenges, around 70% of organisations globally plan to integrate AI into … Continue reading Bridging the AI Divide: Socio-Technical Perspectives on AI in Developing Countries

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Social media messaging for visual impairment in the Global South – Perspectives of community advocates

Dr Chandrani Maitra

17 May 2024

Globally, 2.2 billion people have Vision Impairment, with preventable causes. India has 270 million affected. WhatsApp is seen as a tool to improve eye health awareness. Barriers include lack of visibility of government policies, poverty, and mistrust. WhatsApp's benefits include two-way communication and easy accessibility. Challenges include low educational levels and privacy concerns. Participants suggest sharing preventative eye care information and posthumous eye donation details.

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Digital China, Platforms, Agriculture, Health: New Research Outputs from CDD Manchester

Richard Heeks

9 May 2024

Recent outputs – on Digital China; Digital platforms; Digital agriculture; Digital health – from Centre for Digital Development researchers, University of Manchester: DIGITAL CHINA China’s Digital Expansion in the Global South: Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Agenda (open access) by Richard Heeks, Angelica V. Ospina, Christopher Foster, Ping Gao, Xia Han, Nicholas Jepson, Seth … Continue reading Digital China, Platforms, Agriculture, Health: New Research Outputs from CDD Manchester

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Swavalamban: A Co-constructed Online Professional Development Toolkit for English Language Teachers Working in Resource-constrained Schools in India

Gary Motteram

15 April 2024

The Swavalamban project, funded by the British Council in India, aimed to address the professional development needs of English language teachers in resource-constrained schools in Odisha and West Bengal. A digital toolkit was created through collaboration with the teacher community, focusing on sustainable, bottom-up development. The project faced challenges, leading to suggestions for future projects, such as hybrid solutions, diversified data collection methods, participatory materials design workshops, and longitudinal engagement. Although the project's funding has ended, the development of materials continues, with hopes of repurposing the platform for similar projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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AI Readiness of the US vs China

Richard Heeks

11 April 2024

What is the status of AI rivalry between the United States and China? In recent years, the emergence of China as the world’s second digital superpower has led to talk of a “digital cold war”, with global competition between the US and China in fields such as telecommunications infrastructure, e-commerce and digital governance[i] and with … Continue reading AI Readiness of the US vs China

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Exploring Barcelona Smart Tourism through a Digital Transformation Lens

Julin Liu

2 April 2024

The evolution of urban tourism is increasingly shaped by digital technologies, with cities around the world embracing innovative models and digital transformation to enhance visitor experiences. Digital transformation refers to the integration of digital technologies into all aspects of an organization’s operations, fundamentally altering how it operates and delivers value to customers (Westerman et al., … Continue reading Exploring Barcelona Smart Tourism through a Digital Transformation Lens

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What AI Role for the Global South?

Richard Heeks

18 March 2024

What role will countries of the global South play in the artificial intelligence (AI) economy? I recently participated in a fascinating discussion on AI run by Technology Salon Accra, and the points reminded me of a model I developed a few years’ back: the ladder of ICT4D roles which can readily be modified to apply … Continue reading What AI Role for the Global South?

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