It's the last day at IDRC of one of the great thinkers, implementers and motivators in ICT4D at IDRC: Steve Song. He will be leaving his position of programme manager of Acacia and Connectivity Africa, to take up a fellowship with the Shuttleworth Foundation (of Ubuntu fame). I worked for Steve for several years. He is a consummate techie but also the epitome of the renaissance man: he can debate a telecommunications regulator, discuss the gender implications of mobiles, make a mean caipirinha and renovate your house. Although he hasn't left a big footprint in the academic literature, anyone who wants to take action on or research issues in the area of ICT4D should ask for his opinion. He is also quite passionate about a few issues, most notably open source and its potential for developing countries. The move to the Shuttleworth Foundation should be seen in that light as well.
I will sorely miss him, as he was an inspiration as well as a good friend. However, if I was Telkom South Africa right now, I'd be a little worried.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
In the beginning...
Well I've succumbed to the idea of a blog. Never one to be an innovator or early adopter, I let the idea stew in my mind for a while and finally felt there were more reasons to do it, than not to. I'm still not certain whether this will be more personal, miscellaneous or work related, but I imagine I'll find my way. Alea Jacta Est.
Maybe I should start with a little bit about me. I'm a 36 year old Canadian (with French citizenship as well, by way of my mother), who works at the International Development Research Centre ( http://www.idrc.ca ) in Ottawa Canada ( map ) . I'm mainly interested in new technologies, digital culture and, more specifically, socio-economic research issues related to those areas. My professional life focusses on the intersection between those areas and development, however I do have a personal interest in that as well. Other interests I have, which I generally won't bore you with, include medieval history, world politics, hockey and travel.
Maybe I should start with a little bit about me. I'm a 36 year old Canadian (with French citizenship as well, by way of my mother), who works at the International Development Research Centre ( http://www.idrc.ca ) in Ottawa Canada ( map ) . I'm mainly interested in new technologies, digital culture and, more specifically, socio-economic research issues related to those areas. My professional life focusses on the intersection between those areas and development, however I do have a personal interest in that as well. Other interests I have, which I generally won't bore you with, include medieval history, world politics, hockey and travel.
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