Free and Open Source Software and Technology for Sustainable Development - Softcover

Sulayman K. Sowe

Softcover

ISBN 10: 9280812173 ISBN 13: 9789280812176

Publisher: United Nations University, 2012

Synopsis

'Free and Open Source Software' (FOSS) technologies transcend geographical and cultural boundaries to usher in a new development paradigm where volunteers collaboratively create software for common use. The political economy of FOSS technologies has far-reaching implications for world development because of the centrality of information and communications technologies for development ('ICT4D'). The global trend in the diffusion and adoption of FOSS technologies is a testimony to the socioeconomic and technological impact the software has for both developed and developing economies. The main aim of this book is to raise awareness, increase the deployment, and capture the socioeconomic, technical, and educational impact of information and communications technologies in general, and free and open source software in particular, for sustainable development. A global collection of experts in social, natural, and human sciences, with contributions from researchers and practitioners in both developing and developed countries, cover the theoretical and practical implications of FOSS technologies. While FOSS development, education, and business potentials may appear as a phenomenon for the developed world, a sizable number of developing countries have implemented FOSS policies of their own. Empirical and anecdotal evidence continues to demonstrate the potential of FOSS technologies for giving people the opportunity to participate actively in the development and shaping of their own technology, stimulating the growth of indigenous software industries, creating local jobs, and lowering technology acquisition and deployment costs. The target audience of the book includes 'ICT4D' and sustainable development experts, FOSS developers and users, policymakers, technology-oriented small and medium enterprises, NGOs working in ICT and sustainable development, international organizations with technology transfer initiatives, information systems practitioners and research institutions, curriculum designers, universities and colleges, and training institutions interested in the pedagogical aspects of FOSS technologies.

About this title

About the Author

Sulayman K. Sowe is JSPS-UNU Fellow, Science and Technology for Sustainable Societies, at the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies, Japan. Govindan Parayil is vice rector at United Nations University and director of the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies. Atsushi Sunami is associate professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, Japan.

Edition details

• Publisher: United Nations University
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9280812173
• ISBN 13: 9789280812176
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 404
• Editor: Sulayman K. Sowe, Govindan Parayil, Atsushi Sunami