The benefits and obstacles of implementing ICTs strategies for development from a bottom‐up approach

The compatibility between the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) strategies and the bottom‐up approach in the developmental process is assessed. In order to put the theoretical arguments into practice, the existing benefits and obstacles of implementing such strategies in reality are presented. Deriving from the analysis of the bottom‐up approach is the identification of three key areas: basic needs, empowerment, and rural‐based development. These are later discussed in the context of ICTs strategies. The theoretical discussion is exemplified in short explanatory cases.