Discussion papers

In Australia and elsewhere, ICT is proving to be a key tool that communities, nonprofit organisations and groups use to make their operations more efficient, better connect with their clients and members and work together to strengthen their communities. Two new discussion papers provide an overview and bring together current research in relation to ICT and community, social capital, the non-profit sector.

The role of ICT in building communities and social capital <insert link to document>
This paper explores the adoption and uses of ICT in community and social contexts in Australia and selected countries, highlighting approaches taken by governments and community groups and presenting examples of good practice. It identifies some of the impediments to more effective use of ICT to achieve community and social benefits. It is the first government research to look at the relationships between social capital and ICT.

Information and communication technologies transforming the nonprofit sector <insert link to document>
This paper explores ICT adoption and use in the nonprofit sector as a priority for the Australian economy and society. It highlights examples of good practice that can transform the community and all parts of the non-profit sector. It further considers some of the issues and challenges facing the nonprofit sector's adoption and effective use of ICT.

Community ICT Transformation: Case Studies  <insert link to case studies>
In this set of case studies, a cross-section of communities, nonprofit organisations and groups share their experiences-how they introduced ICT, the barriers and challenges they overcame and the lessons learned while using ICT to make their operations more efficient and to better connect with their clients, members and each other.

Consultation

The papers are intended to stimulate public discussion and provide a basis for consultation on the social and community impacts of ICT. It is hoped that community members, practitioners, organisations and government agencies will take the time to consider these in relation to their own experiences.
Interested parties are invited to provide comments and submissions on the issues raised in these papers. DCITA welcomes submissions in the form of responses to the discussion questions, comments or further information.

Submissions and responses are sought up to 31 March 2005. The Department anticipates using the results of this consultation to inform future activities and policy directions.

Interested parties can provide comments on the papers to:

The role of ICT in building communities and social capital via email or Tel: 02 6271 1645

ICT transforming the nonprofit sector via email or Tel: 02 6271 1689

Submissions and comments in hard copy should be sent to:
The Manager
Community Connectivity
Access Branch
Information Economy Division
Department of Communications, IT and the Arts
GPO Box 2154 Canberra ACT 2601
They can be faxed to 02 6271 1780 but please note that faxed submissions should be no more than five pages long.