The Role of ICT in Building Communities and Social Capital: A Discussion Paper

Information and communications technology (ICT) impacts on the communities in which we live and the way individuals, business, government and civil society interact and develop. Simultaneously, all sectors have shown increased interest in the concept of social capital and the role it can play in building stronger communities, increasing economic productivity and contributing to rural and regional rejuvenation. As the use and impact of ICT increases, so does the prospect that ICT can play a role in shaping the nature of community development and contributing to the building of social capital. The Information Economy Division within the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) prepared this paper together with the companion paper on the role of ICT in the nonprofit sector and a set of case studies to illustrate the scope and nature of some social and community impacts of ICT. The papers are intended to stimulate public discussion and provide a basis for consultation. Interested parties are invited to provide comments and submissions on the issues raised in these papers. DCITA anticipates using the results of this consultation to inform future activities and policy directions.