Innovative aid projects in the field have the tendency to be overlooked, forgotten or stifled. The newly formed Development Practitioners Forum seeks to "stimulate shared learning that spreads successful models," said Tony Barclay, the former DAI chief executive who now serves as the forum's president, at a Feb. 10 event in Washington on network-centric development. Barclay's goal is to provide a hub where corporations, aid workers, nonprofits and civil society can exchange views and benefit from the use of open source technology.
The event also featured DAI's Ulrich Ernst, who spoke about the potential of online networks and mobile phones. DAI's Kristi Ragan discussed new USAID strategies to spur aid innovation, the importance of trust in online networks, and the need to rethink our approach to technology. Guy Ben-Ari, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, highlighted civil-military cooperation and key prerequisites for building networks of development stakeholders. Cesar Hidalgo, of Harvard's Center for International Development, spoke about the Internet's role to foster community, and how network science may explain economic growth patterns.
About the author
Oliver Subasinghe@subavision
Oliver joined Devex in late 2008 as an international development correspondent and researcher. He previously served as a microfinance fellow for Kiva in Kenya and Uganda. During his tenure, he worked with Kiva’s field partners to improve their operations and governance. Oliver holds a master's in business from the College of William & Mary.