Digital Development Information Technology Strategy for Rural Communities Greg Laudeman Community Technology Specialist

“It’s Not the Technology that Matters… It’s How You Use It!” Identifying opportunities Forming alliances Developing technology leadership Doing projects

Information Technology Computing and Telecommunications Similar to traditional utilities Different from traditional utilities Delivers connectivity and bandwidth Functions depend on computers Rapid technological change Tools for decision-making and coordination of activities

Digital Development: IT for ED Reduce costs and improve firm performance Provide access to global & niche markets Enable a more talented and productive workforce Create new entrepreneurial opportunities Increase capital investment and public revenue Deliver public services more efficiently and effectively Support skill development and education Differentiate your community

Households with a Computer West Northeast Midwest South 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% Usage Lags in the South…

West Northeast Midwest South Growth in Households with a Computer … and is Falling Farther Behind With the Slowest Growth

Digital Development Community Technology Leadership Technological Facilities Organizational Capacities Individual Capabilities Overall Community Capacity to Apply IT

Community Technology Leadership Identify Goals Engage Broadly Do a Project Analyze Design Implement Business and Civic LeadersTechnology Leaders

FacilitiesOrganization Talent Digital Development Leadership TacticsProjects

Components of Digital Development ResourcesActivities Organizational capacities ArchitectureApplications Individual capabilitiesAwarenessAbility Technological facilitiesAvailabilityAccess

Technological Scale of digital development Scope of digital development Organizational Have (artifacts) Do (activities) Individual Community Cone of Digital Development

Leadership Drives Digital Development. Defining strategic objectives Allocating resources to projects Providing recognition for talent

Does something. Somebody Digital Development Value Chain Technology Leaders Business and Civic Leaders ? Motivation (Supporters) Opportunity (Sponsor) Catalyst Expertise (Talent) Projects (Tactics)

Analysis Design Implementation Virtuous Spiral of Digital Development

Digital Development Tactics

Community Technology Leaders Community – committed to improving the local economy and quality of life Technology – has expertise, experience, or interest in IT Leader – willing and able to spearhead community projects

Community Technology Opportunity Assessment (CTOA) Information for marketing & planning Resources, Activities, Leaders Specific, customized recommendations Where you are, where you want to go Build dialog between stakeholders Focus group and read-out sessions Tactical and action-oriented

Technology Alliance Start-up Kit (TASK) Aggregate demand and pool expertise Alliance start-up guide Programs for six months and web site By-laws and articles of incorporation

Community Technology Leadership Program (CTLP) Cross-train leadership and tech talent “Talk the talk & walk the walk” Six half-day sessions over six months Technology for Leaders Leadership for Techs: Analysis Leadership for Techs: Design Leadership for Techs: Implementation I Community Technology Leadership: Review Coaching for project tasks between sessions

Core Concepts of Digital Development Use what you have to get more One size doesn’t fit all Partnerships are vital Define objectives clearly Aggregate demand & pool expertise Activate technologists to lead Do projects that put IT to work

Greg Laudeman Community Technology Specialist Thank you! Questions?