Can Information and Communication Technologies Support Regeneration?

Abstract

Recent initiatives by the New Labour administration have brought together the role of information and communication technologies and regeneration. Concerns about the digital divide and social exclusion have been considered in the context of neighbourhood renewal and access to mainstream services, such as education, training and employment. This article asks the question of whether information and communication technologies (ICT) can really support regeneration. Despite a growing interest in this field, three aspects are raised that have rarely been considered. The first concerns the association between ICT and regeneration. It is argued that the relationship between the two is vague and that value-laden judgements lie behind the idea of technology addressing complex matters of regeneration. The second related point is about the evidence base for evaluating local ICT initiatives. It is suggested here that the notion of ICT providing a net benefit for communities is unsubstantiated. This leads to the third point, that the political-administrative arrangements of and within ICT projects require serious attention. The article is likely to be of interest to academics and practitioners alike who are concerned with the application and local administration of ICT projects in 'poorer' neighbourhoods.