Developing Nations

The New Policy Institute is excited to release a compelling new paper, Harnessing the Mobile Revolution, by Tom Kalil.

In recent years, the use of mobile phones and other mobile communications in developing countries has skyrocketed, and Tom takes a look at the power of mobile technologies in addressing some of our most pressing challenges, such as reducing the huge inequities in life expectancy between rich and poor countries, fostering inclusive economic growth, and promoting vibrant democracies.

The New Policy Institute is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) affiliate of NDN.

In the paper, which you can read in its entirety here, Tom urges the next President to promote mobile technologies as a tool to improve global health care outcomes, combat global poverty and strengthen democratic institutions.

"...the next Administration should launch a major new initiative to harness the confluence of new technologies and innovative business models as a key component of its global development agenda. This initiative would be designed to serve as a catalyst for policy reforms in developing countries, promote an increased capacity for innovation by developing country entrepreneurs to meet local needs, and stimulate additional investments by philanthropists, foundations and companies.

Such an initiative could reduce poverty, strengthen democratic institutions, and improve global health outcomes.  It could also help restore some of the damage to America’s international reputation, boost America’s 'soft power,' and position American businesses and workers to benefit from the growth of emerging markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America...."

As Tom further notes in the paper:

"There is no doubt that mobile communications are having a significant impact on the way Americans live, work and communicate with each other. But the impact is no doubt more keenly felt by the African mother who can call ahead to determine whether a doctor is available to treat her sick child before traveling for hours."

Tom is a chair of the Clinton Global Initiative, the Special Assistant to the Chancellor for Science and Technology at the University of California Berkeley and a former senior Clinton Administration official. To read more about Tom, please click here.