Information Communication Technologies and Social Entrepreneurship

In his article on 'An emerging interactions economy', John Chambers,President and CEO, CISCO Systems has analysed the ripple affects of ICTs
and outlined how India's inherent strengths of focussing innovation, coupled with a strong education system and backed by fruitful partnerships, has furthered the cause of the country's socio-economic development.

Some keypoints-

1.ICTs back the three key areas of Entrepreneurialism, Innovation and Education,thus providing unparalleled opportunities for thecommunity.

2.Access to telecom infrastructure and services in rural India can catalyse societal transformations.

2.Rural India needs businesses to invest in industries such as finance and insurance..in ventures that bring new infrastructure such as telephony and

3..The internet can reach easily where physical infrastructure maynot.

4.Broadband access has created new ways to communicate and collaborate.New target areas can be distance learning, telemedicine productive management systems.

Reading his article reminded me of the 'Digital Vision Program at Stanford University' , my senior had once generally talked about. Refer to http://rdvp.org/

An excerpt:
The Digital Vision Program supports individuals who seek to develop technology-based solutions in the interest of humanitarian, educational, and sustainable development goals. The Program fosters social entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary projects that address real needs in underserved communities.
DV projects focus on the rapidly evolving mix of software applications that leverage advanced wireless and land-based data networks. These networks – paired to a new generation of mobile phones and low cost computer-based devices - have connected more than one billion people who previously lacked access to the innovations and cost-saving solutions made possible by digital communications, information services, and e-commerce.