ICT 4 Development
The goal of the ICT4D programme is to foster applications of ICT in developing countries to enhance social conditions and sustainable economic growth through education and research. The department already has a large activity in this field through the HISP project (Health Information System Programme) based at the group for Global infrastructures. This system, utilizing FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) not based on standard IPR (Intellectual Property Rights), is becoming a standard primary health information software in several developing countries. HISP is under continuous expansion and improvement.
Given Internet access, state of the art FOSS is available for diverse applications and innovation, putting developing and developed countries on a more level playing field in the software domain. FOSS is an example of what has been denoted "commons-based peer production" which offers opportunities for developing countries in many areas. This is the focus of new projects within ICT4D at department.