In an increasingly interconnected world grappling with complex challenges like climate change, financial inequality, inadequate healthcare, and more, the call for democratic principles and active participation becomes ever more crucial. As technology and the internet continue to permeate every aspect of our lives, they present unprecedented opportunities for citizens, experts, organisations, and institutions to collaborate and address these pressing issues collectively.
Our Master’s program, “ICT for Development and Social Good,” is founded on a profound understanding of the convergence of three intellectual disciplines: information systems, computer sciences, and development studies. Recognizing the limitations of past ICT4D experiences, particularly during the period between the ’70s and early 2000s, our program takes a groundbreaking approach by adopting Richard Heeks’ ‘tribrid model’ of ICT4D.
Instead of keeping the three disciplines isolated, our curriculum seamlessly integrates them, producing ICT4D champions who are ‘tribrids.’ These champions possess comprehensive knowledge across computer science, information systems, and development studies, allowing them to draw invaluable insights and effectively collaborate with domain professionals. Through this innovative approach, we aim to transcend the shortcomings of traditional ICT4D initiatives and nurture skilled professionals ready to make a meaningful impact in the realm of technology for social good.
International agencies, institutions and non-profit organisations are increasingly looking for project managers and development professionals who have excellent capabilities on the use of digital innovation technologies for social good. This Master provides both theoretical and practical proficiency concerning the deployment of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) tools for international development and social good.
In today’s landscape, international agencies, institutions, and non-profit organizations eagerly seek adept project managers and development professionals proficient in leveraging digital innovation technologies for social good. Our Master’s program bridges the gap between theory and practice, equipping students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to deploy ICT effectively in the realm of international development.
This Master originates from the fruitful collaboration between the University of Turin and ImpactSkills, and was based on the long-term online training course “ICT Innovation for Development”, carried out by Ong2.0 in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 within the Program “Innovazione per lo Sviluppo”. The course “ICT Innovation for Development” aimed at providing both theoretical and practical proficiency concerning the deployment of ICT tools for international development. This experimental course, held twice in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016, had a tremendous success, with more than 430 applications from every single continent all over the world.
This first edition of the Master programme “ICT for Development and Social Good” is sponsored by Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo (AICS) and by Compagnia di San Paolo within the programme Digital Transformation per lo sviluppo sostenibile (AID011487), implemented by 13 italian NGOs (ACCRI, Amici dei Popoli, Aspem, CeLIM, CISV, COMI, COPE, COSPE, CVCS, CVM, LVIA, OSVIC, Progetto Mondo MLAL) and a group of specialised partners: Fondazione Politecnico Milano, School of Management – SAA, WeMake s.r.l. , Associazione Senegalesi Torino (AST), Coordinamento Comuni per la Pace (Cocopa), Opere Sociali Marelliane.
By attending this Master programme, you will gain:
- Theoretical knowledge of the new emerging frameworks and methodologies on the development of social innovation projects.
- Cutting-edge knowledge and skills in the effective planning, development, implementation and management of ICT4D initiatives in many different sectors, such as Data Collection and Visualisation, Health, Agriculture, Human Rights and Emergencies, etc..
- The ability to use, adapt and appropriate a number of tools, platforms, apps, and technologies for development, acquired through hands-on intensive lectures, workshops and crash courses.
- Knowledge about the existing local, national and international initiatives in the field of ICT4D, as well as the ability to critically analyse their impact in the world.
- The capability of adapting existing examples, methodologies, and tools for local needs and to prevent their potential risks and failures.
- Critical thinking will challenge participants to think out of the box and go beyond their comfortable zones by using and adapting existing examples, methodologies and tools for the local needs, as well as master the art of critique as a tool for identifying potential risks and failures.
TWO STUDYING MODELS
“ICT for Development and Social Good” Master programme offers two learning models:
- FULL MASTER MODEL: This model will combine online (live) lectures in virtual classes, residential on-campus crash courses, and internship. Students of this model will receive Master Diploma.
- ONLINE-ONLY ATTENDING MODEL: This model is delivered fully online in virtual classes and provide Certificate of Attendance and personalised Portfolio.
OBJECTIVES
- To explore and review various local, national and international initiatives in the field of Information and Communications Technologies for Development, as well as critically analyze their impact in the world and their potential failure;
- To equip students with the theoretical knowledge and, the new emerging frameworks and methodologies on the development of social innovation projects;
- To develop the practical skills of studentys and their ability to use, adapt and re-appropriate various cutting-edge tools, platforms and technologies for development;
- To establish a community of practitioners and facilitate peer to peer learning process;
- To immerse participants in the fieldwork through the Internships Programme; provide mentorship for the development of Final Projects for each participant.
STARTS ON 15 JANUARY 2024
PROFESSIONAL TARGET
- Professionals and practitioners from non-governmental organisations, associations, cooperatives, and other entities dedicated to international cooperation and development or working on social issues. Whether you’re already working in these areas or seeking to enhance your expertise, this program will provide valuable insights and practical knowledge.
- Young researchers and students from various disciplines, institutes, and universities. If you have a passion for social good and want to contribute to the advancement of technology for development, this program offers a well-rounded approach that combines theory and hands-on experience.
- Professionals and practitioners affiliated with different states, regional, or local agencies/institutions who wish to strengthen their capacities in the field of ICT for Development. Whether you’re in a governmental or inter-governmental role, this program equips you with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to drive positive change in your domain.
- Members or employers of social startups with a focus on ‘tech for good.’ If you’re part of a social startup that aims to leverage technology for social impact, this program will provide you with the tools and expertise to effectively plan, implement, and manage ICT for Development initiatives.
TIMELINE | ACADEMIC YEAR 2022-2023
● 6 September-31 October 2023 (15:00 CET/Turin time): Pre-Registration, enrolment, and scholarship applications for the Master Programme.
● 10 November 2023: Announcement of selected students.
● 20 November-04 December 2023: Matriculation of the selected students and payment of the first instalment of the fee.
● 14 December 2023: Welcome space.
● 15 January 2024: Start of online lectures and Crash Courses.
● March – October 2024: Internship period.
● November 2024: Presentation of the Final Projects.
● November-December 2024: Closing and Graduation.