From Associations To Info-Sociations: Civic Associations And ICT In Two Asian Cities

Abstract

Civic non-profit associations are experimenting with Information Communications Technologies (ICTs) as tools for transforming their work. The hybrid “info-sociation” concept—combining information and association—is introduced here for studying ICT-linked transformations. An info-sociational diagnostic supports comparisons of ICT praxis at civic associations in Hong Kong and Taipei, including transformations in: governance; organizational and participatory practices. These case studies also explore how civic environmentalists are experimenting with ICTs, including: green new media; map mash-ups for urban monitoring; digital storytelling; and e-platforms for public participation. The working diagnostic introduced in this paper serves three ends: 1) studying the shift from associations to info-sociations; 2) comparing civic strategies for ICT uses; and 3) theorizing about the co-evolution of local civic associations and ICTs.

How are ICTs Transforming Civic Space in Singapore?

“…8 Before examining the two cases further the next section will provide an overview of the changing nature of civic and cyber space in Singapore. (Sadoway 2012(Sadoway , 2013…”

DRS2018: Catalyst

“…Advocates of do-it-yourself (DIY) approaches, hackathons and fablabs -in other words the maker movement, have argued that without the building blocks of open ICT infrastructures and platforms for smart citizens (Townsend, 2013;Diez, 2014) including open access, open source software and net neutrality (decentralization), the construction of the smart city and its social economy will be highly unlikely (Sadoway, 2012). In this regard, it is possible to argue that open and decentralized practices, like open design, can help in developing not only smart cities, but also smart citizens.…”

“…Thus, in order to develop a "civic-cyber space", it is necessary to have the engagement and involvement of different social stakeholders (e.g. civic hacktivists, local associations and community groups), which goes beyond the participation of scientists, engineers, and coders (Sadoway, 2012). Moreover, it is also necessary to adapt and develop new forms of interaction, new platforms and infrastructure that could support this emerging phenomenon.…”