Abstract
Fair Trade Software (FTS) builds on the principles of conventional Fair Trade and applies them to software services in developing countries. Using a model of Shared Value Creation, FTS leverages reputation enhancement opportunities for companies in OECD countries to encourage them to share knowledge with partners in developing countries. Working in this way has been demonstrated to improve the quality and capacity of software companies in developing countries and generate digital employment for urban youth. The improvement gains can lead to significant improvements in other sectors that rely on digital services, e.g. healthcare and education.
Highlights
Rapid advances in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have contributed to making the world the global village that it is often described as, and the digital economy has brought the countries of the world into closer interactions with each other
Least Developed countries and Lower Middle Income countries mainly play the role of consumers rather than producers of software and ICTs, which can be attributed to various factors including limited expertize and resources to support the industry
The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) promotes the need for change in the rules and practice of conventional trade, and shows how a successful business can put people first
Summary
Rapid advances in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have contributed to making the world the global village that it is often described as, and the digital economy has brought the countries of the world into closer interactions with each other. OECD High Income countries are the areas associated with technological innovation. These countries have maintained a lead in ICT and continue to be regarded as the knowledge centre in the field of ICT [1]. Least Developed countries and Lower Middle Income countries mainly play the role of consumers rather than producers of software and ICTs, which can be attributed to various factors including limited expertize and resources to support the industry. Taking the established Fair Trade principles of ‘North–South’ partnership and supply chain intervention, FTS extends Fair Trade into the digital world to help seed the software industry in developing countries and provide employment relevant to marginalized urban youth. This essay explores the FTS concept and shows how FTS can offer a sustainable model in value chains for software production and services
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