Briefing Papers

...from the new technologies programme

The following publications are available, most can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat format and all are licenced under the Creative Commons (see end of page for further details).

The Intermediate Technology of the Information Age? An Assessment of the Implications of Open Source (Free) Software for Development
Grimshaw, DJ (2004) - PDF, 795K
This paper reviews the role that open source or free software (here referred to as OSS/FS) can play in developing countries. After a review of the definitions and histories of both the free software and open software movements, the paper considers the main issues of OSS as they impact on development. According to six criteria, used by Schumacher to define intermediate technology, our analysis shows that OSS/FS can be viewed as an intermediate technology.

Small is Beautiful: A New Dimension? An Assessment of the Implications of Nanotechnology for Development
Grimshaw, DJ (2004) - PDF, 452K
This paper explores what nanotechnology is, the risks and opportunities presented, potential product developments and an assessment of the impact nanotechnology can have in development.   It reviews the positions taken on nanotechnology by prominent NGOs and end with reference sections to illustrate the wealth of further information available.

Publishing in the Information Age: Becoming a Leading Authority on the Use of Technology to Reduce Poverty
Grimshaw, DJ (2005) - PDF, 410K
The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues around publishing content in the era of electronic media where the ease of copying, re-using, and printing are available to anyone who has access to computing facilities. It recommends the use of the Creative Commons Licence, with attribution, non-commercial, and share alike features.

Solar Power: Coming Out from Behind a Cloud?
Grimshaw, DJ (2006) - PDF, 1Mb
CISG solar cells have been talked about for about the last 20 years.   It is the characteristics of the material itself which provide more efficient production of electricity via a PV cell.   What remains an issue at the current time is the commercialization of the production process for CISG solar cells.    However, given the recent advances in nanotechnology it does seem likely that the routes that are currently being traveled by several companies will eventually lead to products that will improve the price performance of solar cells.

All the above work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.