Overview: About Spider


The main goal of SPIDER is to support developing countries in harnessing the benefits of ICTs for development and poverty alleviation. In practical terms, it means promotion of and support to relevant Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) efforts at partner institutions and organisation in developing countries and establishment of networks of collaboration. In collaboration with partners in Sweden and abroad, SPIDER supports development of ICT infrastructure, human capacity and relevant ICT content. We also promote information management, communication and interaction, networking and awareness raising. Major areas for intervention are access, e-education, e-health and e-governance, including human rights aspects. The use of free and open source software (FOSS) is encouraged.

SPIDER is a collaboration between a national donor agency (the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Sida) and Department of Computer and System Sciences at Stockholm Univeristy. Through an ICT4D network, SPIDER draws on resources from several important actors, including the academia, private and public sectors, governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The private sector plays an important role in ICT for development, and its involvement is vital for achieveing long-term sustainability.

We believe local ownership to be one of the most important pre-requisites for achieving sustainability in ICT4D projects. Equally, human capacity development needs to be an integral and fundamental part of sustainable ICT activities. The main goal of SPIDER is to support developing countries in harnessing the benefits of ICT. We believe in a world where place of birth and economic status do not determine the access to information, knowledge and communication.

Together we will bridge the digital divide.

The strengths of SPIDER

  • A commitment between the national development cooperation agency and a Stockholm University.
  • A dynamic network including individuals, academia, private and public sectors, governmental organizations and NGOs.
  • Extensive knowledge of development cooperation and developing regions.
  • Access to expertise within all sectors of ICT.
  • Active promotion of North-South, South-South and North-North cooperation in ICT4D.
  • A comprehensive ICT4D Helpdesk function for Swedish authorities and Swedish Embassies.