Technological developments of the last 30 years have
revolutionized societies and democratised
participation. The prospects for integrating more
technological solutions to complex issues are growing
while the role of civil society is shifting and in some
cases diminishing.
This report discusses how technology is disrupting
civil society, especially with regard to
disintermediation, and draws out what to anticipate
about the future of civil society in the digital age.
It reviews how technology has affected civil society,
given the advent of disruptive innovation, new
manifestations of civic engagement and the
proliferation of new complex problems; identifies some
of the ways in which civil society is experiencing
disintermediation as a direct and indirect result of
technology; and draws out some of the ways in which
civil society might adapt to become more resilient
towards the future.
K4D helpdesk reports provide summaries of current
research, evidence and lessons learned. This report was
commissioned by the UK Department for International
Development.
Citation
Williams, Kirsten C. (2018). Intersections of
Technology and Civil Society. K4D Helpdesk Report 448.
Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies
Links
Intersections of
Technology and Civil Society
