2017 ICT4D Conference

In recent years, mobile surveys and data collection capabilities have increased alongside rapidly expanding mobile phone penetration in the developing world. And with this trend, there has been a proliferation of small firms that have entered this space. By allowing development projects to quickly capture hard-to-gather data through SMS, IVR, apps, and other tools, these firms offer can change the way we execute development projects around the world.

At the same time, mobile data-collection is a sector in flux -- these new companies are rapidly iterating their business models, expanding and contracting their geographical reach, and merging with one another. New data analysis tools like machine learning also have the potential to complement the capabilities that these companies have created.

What is the future of this sector? How will policy changes among donors and large implementers influence the evolution of this sector? How will they cope with shifts in technology, both in terms of capabilities like machine learning, but also as internet access expands in developing countries, providing millions with free access?