Doctor Shirin Madon
Nationality: United Kingdom
Year: 1993
Subject Area: Social Sciences
My initial Wingate Scholarship was used to conduct longitudinal research in the impact of computer-based information systems for rural development planning in Gujarat, India. This research commenced in 1993 and continued for 3 years resulting in a series of publications (including a book). The findings from this research have helped to strengthen the theoretical base in the field of IT and Development.
More recently, I have been involved with new research projects related to broader issues of e-governance and development. Despite the popularity and rhetoric surrounding e-governance initiatives in many developing countries, there is little systematic analysis of wider socio-economic benefits in terms of improvements in public service delivery, and the socio-economic advancement of poor rural communities. I continue to be engaged in long-term fieldwork through support from a succession of small grants from various research funding bodies which has enabled me to establish good connections with senior government officers in various states in India.