IT for the informal sector in developing countries: A broader perspective

Abstract

Although the informal sector's presence in the developed world is by no means meagre, the themes and issues related to information technology (IT) for this sector in the developing country contexts seem stark and deeply contrasted with those relating to the informal sector in developed countries. Solutions which attempt to exploit the potential of IT for the informal sector have thus far been either knee-jerk, ad-hoc, or have mimicked those targeted at the formal sector. However, technology tools available today can accelerate, catalyze, and go beyond the conventional straight-jacketed technology, economic, and policy solutions for the informal sector. The papers in this special issue reflect this theme and attempt to present a glimpse of the possibilities for achieving and the challenges in effecting such solutions.

Networks of trust: Accessing informal work online in Indonesia during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…In Indonesia alone, as many as 95.4 per cent of internet users access the internet through their smartphones (Asosiasi Penyelenggara Jasa Internet Indonesia 2020). Indeed, recent scholarship on technology in the informal economy has largely focused on the use, adoption and effects of mobile phones for communication, including the question of how social media platforms are being leveraged by informal workers (Seetharaman, Cunha and Effah 2019).…”

Redes de confianza y acceso al trabajo informal en línea durante la pandemia de COVID‐19 en Indonesia

“…Solo en Indonesia, el 95,4 por ciento de los usuarios de internet acceden a la red a través de sus teléfonos inteligentes (Asosiasi Penyelenggara Jasa Internet Indonesia 2020). De hecho, los estudios recientes sobre la tecnología en la economía informal se han centrado en el uso, la adopción y los efectos de los teléfonos móviles con fines de comunicación, atendiendo en particular a las estrategias de los trabajadores informales para aprovechar las plataformas de medios sociales en su actividad económica (Seetharaman, Cunha y Effah 2019).…”

ICT4D 3.0? Part 1—The components of an emerging “digital‐for‐development” paradigm

“…This is the increasing ability of goods and services to be differentiated to meet the needs or wants of particular consumers. Combined with emergence of the “bottom‐of‐the‐pyramid” as a market, this is seeing growth in digital products customised for the poor in developing countries (Arora, ; Seetharaman, Cunha, & Effah, ).…”