International expert seminar „The uncertain promise of the „hyper” smart in Africa. Smart society, smart city, smart business”.
Amid the debate on prospects of growth and development in Africa, the question of the role of sophisticated information and communication technology (ICT) in this process comes to the fore. There are several ways in which ICT may boost Africa’s growth and development potential; yet, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to ascertain well-being and prosperity of societies inhabiting specific countries and territories. The objective of this moderated international expert seminar is to dissect developments and opportunities pertaining to the intersection of ICT and the government, the business sector, cities and society at large, education including. Rather than falling into either the ‘ICT-‘ or ‘smartness- trap’, a cautionary perspective is adopted to guide the audience through the meanders of the truly broad topic and encourage a critical and constructive conversation on what courses of action, which strategies and which policies may yield the best possible results for Africa and its societies.