I realize that the process might not have moved far enough as yet in Argentina, but I wonder whether the quite extensive network of Telecentres or public Internet access sites, is playing or could play a role in the developments there.
I believe that one of the implicit objectives of Telecentres could/should be to act as a focal point for local (technology/information/strategic) innovation in communities where other possible sources of inspiration or resources for innovation are lacking. In a context where those at the top (at the centre) seem bereft of ideas and where there appears little capacity for the development of innovative responses to local circumstances, then the Internet, could/should offer opportunities for those away from the top/centre to identify their own paths and to link with others--regionally, nationally, globally to support and enable those strategies. Of course, such an approach argues most strongly for a bottom-up rather than top-down strategy for Telecentre development since without engaged and informed local leadership such local capacity for innovation (I call these Community Innovation Systems) will not develop or will not be sufficiently focussed to create any sort of effective local critical mass. A close link between this "community access" and a local university or college is a key element in developing a Community Innovation System, particularly if the university or college has a strong committment to working and making its resources available to its local community. In thinking about this approach I am, of course, reflecting on my own experience working on Cape Breton Island, a peripheral Canadian region. If anyone is interested, I've discussed some of this work in a couple of recent papers (one in Keeble and Loader's new book on Community Informatics)-- I could email Word versions, and I've got multiple copies of a book on our experiences (with a modest contribution for shipping and handling). Another and more extended discussion is currently in book proofs. Mike Gurstein -----Original Message----- From: Horace Mitchell [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: January 2, 2002 1:24 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [Globalcn2000] FW: Argentina down and out Many thanks to Michael Gurstein for re-posting that eloquent piece from Alberto Manguel. I'm sure that all my fellow-Europeans join in sadness for what has been happening in Argentina and in prayers for the future. The worst aspect is the way most observers (inside and outside Argentina) seem to offer no real hope for the kind of substantial change that is needed to work out from today's mess. What is most puzzling - at this distance - is how, in an inherently wealthy country, with a mainly European, mainly educated population and a large middle class, plus a democratic process, the voters of Argentina have continued to elect governments that have continued the process of decline? Alberto Manguel avers that: >>Every society is an invention, an imaginary construct based on the agreement between individuals who have decided to live together under common laws.<< and that Argentina is now a society that >>no longer believes in its own integrity<<. Here in the UK some would say that under Thatcher we moved too far towards a get-rich-quick social mentality with too much emphasis on individual gain and insufficient emphasis on societal responsibility. Eventually Thatcher was removed from power by her own colleagues who felt she was going "over the top". We then had some of the kind of weak governments that the British quite like because "they don't do much harm", but after a while we replaced them with a government that many think is again treading the path of too much dominance by one individual, as well as some quite remarkably (by UK standards) illiberal internal affairs policies, which they are getting away with because they have an exceptionally large parliamentary majority. Most people probably think that if and when this lot look like "going too far" we will replace them in their turn. Is this confidence misplaced? Is there a risk that the people could permanently lose control of the politicians in the UK (or France or Germany or . . . ) in the way that seems to have happened in Argentina? If not, what is the safety factor that prevents this? If we can identify the underlying difference maybe that goes some way to understanding what needs to change in Argentina? Best wishes to all, with prayers and hopes for a better future for the people of Argentina. Horace Mitchell ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Need new boots for winter? Looking for a perfect gift for your shoe loving friends? Zappos.com is the perfect fit for all your shoe needs! http://us.click.yahoo.com/ltdUpD/QrSDAA/ySSFAA/r_KplB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
