The mobile phone is transforming the developing world, reshaping how people conduct business and communicate. But that’s not always a good thing. In the latest episode of Media Space, the University of Washington’s Hanson Hosein chats with Gobee Group’s Jessica Rothenberg-Aalami about the impact of mobile devices and other technologies in places like Africa, Asia and South America.
Introducing technology doesn’t always work, creating uncertain tensions when things like mobile devices or an Internet cafe are tossed into the mix. Rothenberg-Aalami thinks more study is needed before the consequences are fully understood.
“We need to take more time to allow organizations that are working in development to define their problems as they see it, build up the repository of knowledge that they need about their options in order to be decision makers in their technology choices, then we can begin that process of perhaps bringing technology solutions to the table,” said Rothenberg-Aalami.
Full interview below:
She’s not surprised that technologies such as mobile phones are changing emerging markets, noting that it has essentially become an “all-inclusive tool for micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses.” But, even so, she thinks technology can only do so much, noting that there will never be enough teachers or doctors or bankers.
Nonetheless, she said there’s a lot of competition among global technology companies to find future customers in emerging nations.
“The jury is out on whether there’s money to be made,” she said. “And that’s where there is this tension, and who can actually deliver those technologies is still outstanding.”
Previously on GeekWire: “Mobile commerce: Innovation in Africa, by way of Seattle”
[Editor’s note: John Cook serves on the advisory board of the UW’s Master in Communications and Digital Media].
