"This report provides an overview of the comparative innovation capacity of the Americas region through ICT-centric innovation policy monitors and insights on how good practice can strengthen capacity to integrate ICT innovation into national development agendas.
Overall, the Americas region has sho
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wn divergent scenarios in reaching the full potential of the innovation ecosystem. Few countries have a traditionally strong innovation system, and most performances in one or all three engines of growth must improve for the region to become a real actor on the global stage. Canada and the United States of America perform well, while emerging economies such as Argentina, Brazil or Mexico are struggling on the technological, entrepreneurial or innovation ecosystems, and others such as Haiti need further support to turn the country into a thriving digital innovation ecosystem.
To understand these discrepancies, the report introduces two ICT centric innovation monitors: the three engines of growth monitor and the digital transformation enablers monitor.
The report notes that there are many good practices in the region fuelling the entrepreneurial journey. Each practice presented in the report was analysed based on its impact in a third ICT-centric innovation policy monitor, the ecosystem maturity map monitor. Each stakeholder group, at each of the five stages of the entrepreneurial journey, is assessed by its level of engagement to assess the maturity of the ecosystem. For example, the first stage of the journey for entrepreneurs is entrepreneurial interest, while for the public sector, it is having a vision and strategy. The monitor enables stakeholders to visualize the maturity of the ICT-centric innovation ecosystem and identify which practices to keep, which must be improved and which to replace." (Introduction)
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"[...] in this article, we present the results of a collective self-assessment exercise for a panel of eight case studies (covering four continents) [Amazon rainforest, Brazil; Colombia; India; Bangaldesh; Egypt; Lake Manyara Basin, Tanzania; Baltic Sea, Germany; Isles of Scilly, UK] ] of communicat
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ions between project teams and local communities within the context of climate change or biodiversity loss. Our analysis develops eight indicators of good stakeholder communication, which we construct from the literature, in addition to Verran (2002) 's concept of postcolonial moments as a communicative utopia. Our study contributes to the (analytical) understanding of such communications, while also providing tangible insights for field work and policy recommendations. We demonstrate that applying our indicators can foster a more successful communication, although we find an apparent divergence between timing, complexity, and (introspective) effort of the project teams. While three case studies qualify for postcolonial moments, our findings show that especially the scrutiny of power relations and genuine knowledge co-production are still rare. We verify the potency of various instruments for deconstructing science; however, we also show that their sophistication cannot substitute other crucial factors. Instead, simple deconstruction efforts may suffice, while trust-building, proper time management, and an advanced awareness of the scientists are crucial. Lastly, we consider that reforming rigid and inadequate funding policies will help overcome significant barriers and improve the work in and with local communities." (Abstract)
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"Au Brésil, la radio a toujours joué un rôle clé dans les principaux événements du pays ; cet important moyen de communication pour les Brésiliens reproduit toutefois les contradictions et les complexités de l’ensemble de la société, dans un contexte marqué par les inégalités sociales
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. Cet article, inspiré de notre recherche doctorale, éclairé par une approche théorique inspirée d’Antonio Gramsci, souhaite interroger la pertinence et quelques problématiques de la radio communautaire au Brésil à travers la présentation de deux exemples de stations situées dans des favelas et des témoignages d’acteurs." (Résumé)
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"Although AI solutions have the potential to drive growth and development across major sectors such as finance, agriculture, and healthcare, the AI industry is currently still based in North America, Europe, and Asia, with Africa, unfortunately, still underrepresented (Jungblut, 2020). This is a thr
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ee-part series that will explore the landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the African continent through a feminist lens. This first part outlines existing AI applications on the continent, factors that drive or hinder AI innovation, and ethical concerns surrounding the impact of AI on women in the African context." (Executive summary)
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"This report provides the first detailed account of the raid on the Tengdro monastery and its consequences, including multiple detentions and a suicide, that has appeared in any media within or outside China. It also provides analysis of what the case shows about conditions in Tibet today and assess
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es possible reasons for the unprecedentedly harsh sentences given to three of the four monks for minor online activities and communications that are commonplace among Tibetans. Human Rights Watch has not been able to find another case in which Tibetans were convicted of major offenses and sentenced to such long terms without any information emerging to explain the severity of the punishment." (Page 2)
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"Die DW Akademie sammelt und dokumentiert die Wirkungen ihrer Projekte auf verschiedenen Ebenen, mit verschiedenen Methoden. Dazu zählen zunächst drei Wege, die heute Standard in der Entwicklungszusammenarbeit sind: erstens angewandte Studien, die neues Wissen über Wirkungen ermöglichen, zweiten
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s das sogenannte wirkungsorientierte Monitoring, das im Verlauf der Projektarbeit mit den Partnerorganisationen vor Ort durchgeführt wird, und drittens Evaluationen, die von externen Gutachterinnen und Gutachtern erstellt werden. Der vorliegende Band konzentriert sich auf zusätzliche Methoden, um Wirkungen darzustellen: auf Reportagen aus 13 verschiedenen Ländern und auf quantitative Daten, die sogenannten aggregierten Wirkungsdaten, die regelmäßig gesammelt und gebündelt werden. Die aggregierten Wirkungszahlen geben einen numerischen Überblick der Menschen, die durch die Arbeit der DW Akademie erreicht wurden. Hierzu fragt die DW Akademie jedes Jahr bei ihren Partnerorganisationen vor Ort nach. So wurden beispielsweise im Jahr 2018 mit Unterstützung der DW Akademie 9,6 Mio. Menschen in ländlichen Gebieten mit für sie relevanten Informationen versorgt. 26,6 Mio. Menschen haben von den Umstrukturierungen ihrer Staatssender profitiert und erhalten eine vielfältigere und attraktivere Berichterstattung. In dieser Publikation lernen Sie einige Menschen kennen, die hinter den Zahlen der aggregierten Wirkungen stecken. Ihre Geschichten sind nicht repräsentativ für die Gesamtheit der unterstützten Zielgruppen. Sie zeigen aber, welche Ansätze und Lösungswege für einzelne Menschen funktioniert haben und warum." (Einleitung)
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"Le 23 mars 2014, l'Organisation mondiale de la Santé publie sur son site web l'apparition de la maladie à virus Ébola en Guinée. Du fait de la proximité du Sénégal avec la Guinée, la commission Média et Communication, dispositif multisectoriel et centre nerveux de la communication impulse
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immédiatement l'élaboration et la mise en oeuvre d'un plan de communication en vue de limiter l'introduction et la propagation du virus Ébola sur le territoire national. Le 29 août 2014, le Sénégal enregistre son seul et unique cas importé de la maladie à virus Ébola. Ce livre nous invite à redécouvrir la façon dont le Sénégal a géré la communication sur la maladie à virus Ebola et les stratégies mises en oeuvre pour endiguer l'épidémie." (Description de la maison d'édition)
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"This article discusses participatory methods for data gathering in the context of a partnership between a Swiss-based media development organization, Fondation Hirondelle, and a research team at the University of Sheffield. In 2018–2019, the partnership conducted fieldwork which focused on the im
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pact of radio on women listeners in Niger. The project used participatory methods of data gathering in the form of workshops and focus group discussions (FGDs). The article examines the advantages and limitations of combining the practical experience of international development organizations and the in-depth research capabilities of academia. To triangulate this collaboration and to navigate the limitations of FGDs, the use of workshops is discussed as an important method for providing feedback among the radio practitioners and experts in Niger. The article examines the usefulness of combining these methods and reshaping their application to promote participatory research with radio audiences and practitioners." (Abstract)
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"The 10 countries included in this paper all show specific characteristics and contexts but also show similar barriers. Identifying shared characteristics will facilitate the development of shared approaches to deal with shrinking space. Don’t work in silos!
It’s (also) about upholding the law:
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Lobbying parliament and the government to adopt pro-civic space laws can only be part of a solution. Actions to defend civic space must also target the political will and means to uphold the law.
Target state and non-state actors: Campaigns to promote and protect civic space should target both state and non-state actors.
Analyze the international level: The analysis of civic space infringements should go beyond the national level. Changes to civic space are also the result of international developments, like the war on terror following 9/11, the international war on drugs, the globalization of (the fight against) crime and money laundering, the growth of foreign direct investment (e.g. in land). That international level can be operationalized.
Use innovative strategies: Some organizations mention new, innovative ways of reconquering civic space, involving new target groups. There are inspiring examples of CSOs engaging the creative sector and the arts as a way to achieve societal change. Involve art and pop culture. Seek cross-fertilization between CSOs and (new) media.
Collect best practices: To facilitate shared learning an inventory of strategies and practical methods (best practices) used by civic actors to deal with shrinking civic space would be useful. New approaches, tips and strategies should be shared within a global network of likeminded organizations." (Conclusions and observations, page 11)
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"Esta publicación sobre diálogo de saberes en colectivos recoge el espíritu del diálogo de saberes para reflexionar sobre temas recientes en los procesos de agrupación juvenil y sus formas de apropiación de medios y territorios, pues resulta pertinente pensar la ciudad y a través de las diná
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micas de reconfiguración territorial, social y cultural que realizan los colectivos de comunicación." (Descripción de la casa editorial)
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"Uno de los aspectos a destacar de este libro, es la coautoría entre académicos, investigadores, profesionales de la comunicación, líderes comunitarios y estudiantes universitarios. Lo cual, concreta un movimiento epistemológico descolonizador en términos de participación, apostándole a la c
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onstrucción de conocimiento conjunta desde el diálogo de saberes, destrezas, experiencias y experticias. Adicionalmente, este libro está acompañado de la producción en comunicación, alojada en la página web de la cartografía digital que los socios comunitarios y académicos han realizado para hacer visibles sus trayectos, hallazgos y apuestas: dos piezas documentales audiovisuales que reconstruyen las experiencias de Multipropaz y de Comunal Estéreo, además de una pieza documental radial que reconstruye la experiencia de Cine pal barrio." (Cubierta del libro)
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"There are many valuable resources on how to conduct advocacy that provide a detailed, step-by-step approach. These approaches include best practices for identifying stakeholders, developing a message, or planning a timeline. We will not go deeply into these topics, but we do want to provide an intr
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oductory framework to help CSOs think about how to develop an advocacy action plan [...] In Part 1, we present the framework for advocacy planning. In Part 2, the guide provides a tactics toolbox that can be used in restrictive contexts where civil society is under threat. In Part 3, we provide additional resources to assist with your planning. The primary focus of this toolkit is found in Part 2 with detailed case studies illustrating 10 key tactics that can be used in a range of contexts." (Using this guide, page 5)
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"This policy brief examines the work of civil society activists struggling for peace by using social media around the world. Drawing from extensive field research, as well as the social media actions of activists and civil society members of India, Pakistan and beyond, this brief explains how the so
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cial media strategies of civil society activists can ease the risk of war and violence and improve the prospect for long-term peaceful relations between both countries. The South Asia region, including Afghanistan, India and Pakistan, has been known for intractable regional conflict. The conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir led to four wars (1948, 1965, 1971, and 1999) between these countries. Although peace efforts on the part of civil society activists have existed for many years, civil society’s use of social media for peace between both the countries is a new trend. This policy brief endeavours to add new insights on civil society’s use of social media to support peace. The brief also looks at how the civil society members deploy innovative strategies of communication—mixing social media and other methods—to plan, coordinate and practice actions, such as protests, talks, and marches. This policy brief attempts to enhance existing dimensions to the ques-tion of how to respond to the rising conflicts between nuclear countries India and Pakistan – an issue that can no longer remain unnoticed by members of civil society and the interna-tional community." (Summary)
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"The present study brings together a unique collection of open testimonies from 20 journalists working in different member states of the Council of Europe. Each of these journalists spoke about the risks and pressures they perceived and experienced in exercising their profession, as well as their st
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rategies to build resilience and carry on in their “mission to inform”. At times, the price these women and men have had to pay for standing by their obligation to inform the public in an impartial and complete way was enormous, ranging from intrusions and limitations on private and family life, to putting their lives at risk. This was, for example, the case of Daphne Caruana Galizia, who reported fearlessly on sensitive issues, notably corruption, and who was murdered just 10 days after giving a powerful interview for this book. This was the last interview Daphne Caruana Galizia ever gave. A sample of 20 interviews cannot be representative of the situation in the Council of Europe member states. The merit of these interviews is to further exemplify different forms of interference with press freedom already identified in the 2017 study, as well as journalists’ perceptions regarding the dangers of the profession and the strategies they employ to persevere in their work." (Foreword)
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"The range of actions that social partners and audiovisual stakeholders can take to improve gender equality and diversity is broad. From ambitious strategies and plans to smaller-scale initiatives that have a direct impact on the organisation of work. The good practices presented in this report have
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proven their efficiency. The lessons learned from their implementation can serve as inspiration, if not reference, in other national contexts. The high value of the regular production of statistics and qualitative analyses of the levels of representation of women and other under-represented groups on screens and in the audiovisual workforce has been demonstrated. It is particularly important to monitor developments and assess the impact of actions. Social partners and sector stakeholders, with the support of public institutions, have a joint interest to work together towards a more systematic approach to the collection of European-level gender data. Specific tools and funds also need to be made available to audiovisual stakeholders to help them implement concrete initiatives that promote equality and diversity in their workplaces, on sets and in studios, and in relation to their audiences." (Conclusions, page 69)
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"This is the true story of how, against all odds, a remote Mexican pueblo built its own autonomous cell phone network – without help from telecom companies or the government. Anthropologist Roberto J. González paints a vivid and nuanced picture of life in a Oaxaca mountain village and the collect
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ive tribulation, triumph, and tragedy the community experienced in pursuit of getting connected. In doing so, this book captures the challenges and contradictions facing Mexico's indigenous peoples today, as they struggle to wire themselves into the 21st century using mobile technologies, ingenuity, and sheer determination. It also holds a broader lesson about the great paradox of the digital age, by exploring how constant connection through virtual worlds can hinder our ability to communicate with those around us." (Back cover)
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"This document is intended to be used as a high-level guide for advancing risk communication best practices. It synthesizes academic research and available guidance on the topic of hazards and disaster risk communication. It draws from an array of evidence-based recommendations for effectively commu
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nicating risk across the disaster lifecycle and synthesizes them into three overarching principles: Communicate Through Familiar and Trusted Messengers; Provide Clear, Actionable Information; Tailor Message and Information Pathways for Target Audiences. Additionally, this guide integrates key insights that can be applied to communication involving socially vulnerable populations. Social vulnerability influences the capacity to anticipate, cope with, resist, and recover from the impact of a disaster. Socially vulnerable populations are thus more likely to experience disproportionate negative impacts from disasters including emotional distress, loss of property, temporary or permanent displacement, illness, and death. Rather than generate a different set of rules for engaging these groups, this document aims to highlight how general, widely accepted risk communication principles can be thoughtfully applied to populations that are often marginalized, overlooked, or difficult to reach." (Overview)
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"This report ties together young Pakistani people’s experiences of hate and extremism – with contextual research and questions put to young people in Pakistan, centred around their views on identity, media consumption patterns and perceptions of the state and national news media. This research h
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as resulted in a series of ten lessons for creating more effective counter-narrative campaigns that will help practitioners better understand the perceptions, media habits and experiences of Pakistani youth in relation to hate speech and extremism. The lessons have been modelled according to the methodology for creating counter-narratives, as developed by ISD’s YouthCAN project in 2016." (Page 7)
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"Dieser Band ist als Praxisleitfaden für Personen und Institutionen konzipiert, die eine Stelle zur Publikationsberatung auf- und ausbauen möchten. Während der erste Teil des Bandes verschiedene Aspekte des wissenschaftlichen Publizierens thematisiert, die im Rahmen der Publikationsberatung relev
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ant sind, soll der zweite Teil die praktische Umsetzung publikationsunterstützender Angebote veranschaulichen. Mit diesem Band wollen wir Kolleginnen und Kollegen an Bibliotheken und Universitäten grundlegende Kenntnisse aus dem facettenreichen und dynamischen Bereich des wissenschaftlichen Publizierens vermitteln und ihnen bei der Umsetzung ähnlicher Projekte Hilfestellung geben. Die Publikationsservices an der Universität Graz entstanden aus der Notwendigkeit heraus, die an der Universitätsbibliothek vorhandenen OpenAccess-Angebote besser zu koordinieren. Doch bereits in einer frühen Phase entstand bei den Teammitgliedern der Wunsch, mehr als »nur« Open-Access-Unterstützung zu leisten. Stattdessen sollte in Absprache und Zusammenarbeit mit anderen Abteilungen der Universität ein umfassenderes Service- und Beratungsangebot aufgebaut werden, das den gesamten Publikationsprozess begleitet." (Vorwort, Seite 9)
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