A Platform Studies Approach to the Role of Technology in the ICTD Ecosystem: The SMS in m4d Interventions

Abstract

We have good evidence-not least from widespread adoption-that mobile communications can improve the lives of the poor. Building on this success, interventions using mobile technology to tackle development problems have become common in ICT4D. The short message service (SMS), which works on even basic phones, is a popular platform for mobiles for development (m4d) apps and services. This paper documents the historical origins and technical characteristics of SMS as a platform for m4d interventions, demonstrating how inherent technological rigidities in the platform combine with creative adaptation, appropriation and re-use to produce a particular set of affordances and constraints. I argue that optimism about the potential for new technologies to contribute to development should be tempered by awareness that the developing world is seldom the intended audience of technology development. Approaches from the social construction of technology-infrastructure studies and platform studiescontribute to a holistic and historicized understanding of the role of technology in the information and communication technology ecosystem.

Digital platforms for development: Foundations and research agenda

“…In general, of the few we found, research on innovation platforms highlighted how the contextual factors such as cost of data and illiteracy might have an effect on the appropriation and use of resources to design local applications (e.g., Kapinga et al, 2019). Other studies discussed emerging challenges and local needs (Uwaoma & Mansingh, 2018), as well as the suitability of resources for the intended use in local contexts (e.g., Loudon, 2016). Noutat et al (2016), for example, present an application built in Cameroon to access to pharmacy and drug resources.…”

Mobiles for Development – A Comparative Analysis of Business Decisions

“…For all this recent study, it is rare for authors to refer to the underlying construct of the business and to describe the partnerships and business models used to deliver the VAS sustainably. Loudon (2016) considers the underlying platforms of M4D delivery, while Partey, Nikoi, Ouédraogo, and Zougmoré (2019) presents how a VAS service provider can implement a Business to Business (B2B) model and Velu (2017) illustrates the complexity of most VAS business models. Velu (2017) concludes that there is a need for balance in the models used but discusses it at a relatively high level.…”

Connectivity and Empowerment: A Case Study of Cell Phone Technology in Rural Congo

“…Cell phones are a means of not only communication among the poor, but of internet connection and related applications. Of interest here is the idea that with added applications of connectivity on them, cell phones can lead to development in developing countries (Loudon 2016; World Bank 2016a). Development is employed in this study as the umbrella term under which empowerment can be perused.…”