Narrowing The Digital Divide Notes On A Global Netcorps by Ian Smillie - October 1999

Introduction
In 1996, pilot projects were initiated in Canada which resulted in the creation of 'NetCorps Canada International', a partnership between the Government of Canada and six NGOs, aimed at harnessing talent among young Canadians for the advancement of information and communication technologies in developing countries. While the problems that NetCorps Canada International addresses are large, and while the technologies involved are cutting edge, the approach - the placement of interns or 'volunteers' in a working situation overseas - is, literally, the rejuvenation of an old approach to development.

This paper reviews the role of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in development. It then examines the evolution of volunteer-sending programs and describes the emergence of the NetCorps concept within the context of current debates about 'volunteers', 'technical assistance' and the role of ICTs. It describes the development of ICT volunteering so far, and discusses some of the trends and issues that are beginning to emerge. Finally, it considers the potential for a 'Global NetCorps'.

The paper, commissioned by Industry Canada, benefits from a growing library of material on the subject of ICT and development, and from discussion with many people involved in ICTs and volunteer-sending organizations. An early draft was shared with several people who provided helpful feedback. In some cases, where they provided useful detailed information or where they disagreed strongly with a point made in the text, a reference has been included in the endnotes. Errors, omissions and points of interpretation, however, are those of the author alone.

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