1. Information and Communication Technology’s Role in the Governance of Sub-National Island Jurisdictions (SNIJs) – Successes, Failures and Lessons for Scotland’s Island Councils
Fleur Ward
Institute for Northern Studies, Orkney College, UHI
Aims
Through a comparative approach this research aims to advance current island governance theory.
To provide research based findings on the nature and impact of ICT use in island communities
To investigate the relationship between Councils and ICT in various sectors including tourism, food and drink, and the creative industries.
From this research, Scottish Island Councils will be provided with strategic information concerning how to use and develop their own ICT systems which could lead to increased efficiency, improved community engagement and economic empowerment within their jurisdictions. 
Background
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a pivotal role in how Scottish Island Councils govern their communities and empower local business. It is vital that Scottish Island Councils fully utilise, integrate and govern ICT in their jurisdictions as it drives growth, social cohesion, sustainability and island proofing. This PhD project will explore the development and use of ICT in Scottish Island Council governance though a comparative case study investigation to understand the successes, failures and lessons encountered.
What is a Sub-National Island Jurisdiction?
A Sub-National Island Jurisdiction or SNIJ is an island whose self-governing power has resulted from a negotiation between the island and a mainland power (Baldacchino and Milne 2006: 487). SNIJs have a degree of autonomy and devolved power which they can use to further their own interests and economy, although they are bound to the overarching framework and power of the mainland government (Baldacchino et al 2006: 487). The benefits of this relationship to the SNIJ from the mainland include free trade, social welfare, migration and labour market access, aid, infrastructure, education, defence and tourism development (Baldacchino et al 2006: 489). The Scottish SNIJs are Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles), Orkney and Shetland.
Research Questions
How do the Scottish SNIJs govern ICT in comparison to SNIJs in the North Atlantic region?
Is there a difference between the governance of ICT in the Scottish Island Councils compared to the governance of islands under the control of a Council based on mainland Scotland?
How can ICT be used by Island Councils to ensure islanders’ strengths are utilised?
What is the role and influence of ICT in the key economic driver of cultural tourism across the Islands?
Definition of Terms
Information and Communication technology or ICT refers to a plethora of modern technology including radio, television, telephone and mobile phone devices, computers, smart devices, wireless technology and the internet (websites, apps and social media).
The Scottish Island Councils are Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles), Orkney and Shetland.
Good Council Governance is the processes of interaction and decision-making made by a particular Council ensuring transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, efficiency and effectiveness. Good governance covers a Councils’ approach to a multifaceted range of institutions, systems, procedures, practices, and relationships. This ensures long term collaborations and innovations fostering community wellbeing.
Map of Scottish Island Councils
Picture Source: Electric Scotland 2017
Island Research Scope
The Scottish Island Councils central to this research project are Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles) , Orkney and Shetland.
UK and Irish islands
Islands in the North Atlantic region including the Faroes.
Supervisors
Dr Andrew Jennings
Institute of Northern Studies,
Shetland College, UHI
Dr Brendan O’Keeffe
Coláiste Mhuire Gan Smál,
Mary Immaculate College,
Limerick, Ireland
Map of Scotland showing core areas of research – Outer Hebrides (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar), Orkney and Shetland.
Picture Source: Wikipedia 2017
Map of the North Atlantic Ocean – Research Area
Picture Source: Google Maps 2017
References
Baldacchino, G. and Milne, D. (2006) ‘Exploring sub-national island jurisdictions: an editorial introduction’. The Round Table – The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs, Vol. 95 (386),
Electric Scotland (2017) Map of Scottish Council Areas [online]. Available from accessed on
Google Maps (2017) North Atlantic Ocean [online]. Available from accessed on
Wikipedia (2017) Map of Scotland showing core areas of research – Outer Hebrides (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar), Orkney and Shetland. List of Outlying Islands of Scotland [online]. Available from accessed