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Australia's Strategic Framework for the Information Economy 2004-2006 acknowledges the potential for ICT to contribute to positive community and social outcomes for Australia, contribute to stronger social cohesion and to the building and renewal of regional communities. 

Those communities that make effective and creative use of information, knowledge and ICT will benefit most from the information economy.  These capabilities are a catalyst for employment opportunities, a tool for building stronger communities and social capital, and as a means of connecting isolated populations and economically and socially disadvantaged groups.

Taking up these issues, the Community Connectivity section is examining the relationships, impacts and factors which relate to the role of ICT in building communities and social capital.

Australian Communities Moving Online outlines some of the themes and issues emerging as Australian communities seeking to transform themselves through their smart use for technology. It describes seven Australian communities engaging in this process and investigates some of their early outcomes.

The stories presented are not all about communities with high levels of connectivity.  They show how different groups and individuals are helping to bring the Australian community online through collaboration and creative partnerships and how both individuals and communities are using these technologies as a tool for economic and social benefits - breaking down social isolation and building a more inclusive sense of belonging and participation.

A discussion paper entitled The Role of ICT in Building Communities and Social Capital has been released which builds on the work undertaken in Australian Communities Online.  In order to examine the key issues raised in the paper and to assess the impact of ICT on communities and social capital, a series of case studies are explored.  These are presented within the conceptual framework of geographically based ICT enabled (or 'wired') communities and online virtual communities of practice/purpose, circumstance and interest.

• Document ID: 17033 |
• Last modified: 6 February 2008, 10:06am