From Global Models to National Ownership: ICT4D and Its Domestication in Bangladesh
Rahim, Md Abdur (2023)
2023
Master's Programme in Global Society
Yhteiskuntatieteiden tiedekunta - Faculty of Social Sciences
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Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2023-12-13
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-2023112810300
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-2023112810300
Tiivistelmä
The phenomenon of global policy model adaptation, integration and transformation, particularly the Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D), is a complex process of domestication, as demonstrated in the case of Bangladesh. This thesis delves into the intricacies of how global ICT4D models are adapted and recontextualised into national policies, resulting in the initiatives of ‘Digital Bangladesh’ (DB) and ‘Smart Bangladesh’ (SB). The study applies domestication theory, emphasising the active role of local actors in reshaping global models to align with the socio-cultural, economic and political dynamics of Bangladesh.
The research draws on a range of newspaper columns and policy documents for a rhetorical analysis, revealing the transformation of the global ICT4D model into the localised DB and subsequently into the SB initiative. The study is structured into three pivotal phases: the introduction of DB, where global ICT4D is merged with the cultural heritage of Golden Bengal; the domestic political field battle, characterised by extensive debates and adaptations of the DB model; and the naturalisation phase, signifying the transition to the SB initiative.
Key findings highlight the dynamic nature of policy domestication in Bangladesh. The introduction of DB represents a deliberate fusion of policy with cultural and historical values, while its transition into SB marks a significant policy shift towards advanced technological integration. This transformation reflects a deep-rooted commitment to adapting global models to local realities, with a focus on cultural integrity and technological advancement.
This thesis underscores the importance of local nuances in the domestication of global models, illustrating that initiatives like DB and SB are not mere replications of global standards but are instead tailored to resonate with the national context. The study's insights into the adaptation and recontextualisation of global ICT4D models in Bangladesh contribute to a broader understanding of policy domestication, offering valuable perspectives for future research and policy-making in similar contexts.
The research draws on a range of newspaper columns and policy documents for a rhetorical analysis, revealing the transformation of the global ICT4D model into the localised DB and subsequently into the SB initiative. The study is structured into three pivotal phases: the introduction of DB, where global ICT4D is merged with the cultural heritage of Golden Bengal; the domestic political field battle, characterised by extensive debates and adaptations of the DB model; and the naturalisation phase, signifying the transition to the SB initiative.
Key findings highlight the dynamic nature of policy domestication in Bangladesh. The introduction of DB represents a deliberate fusion of policy with cultural and historical values, while its transition into SB marks a significant policy shift towards advanced technological integration. This transformation reflects a deep-rooted commitment to adapting global models to local realities, with a focus on cultural integrity and technological advancement.
This thesis underscores the importance of local nuances in the domestication of global models, illustrating that initiatives like DB and SB are not mere replications of global standards but are instead tailored to resonate with the national context. The study's insights into the adaptation and recontextualisation of global ICT4D models in Bangladesh contribute to a broader understanding of policy domestication, offering valuable perspectives for future research and policy-making in similar contexts.