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Governance & Vulnerable Populations

The emphasis on electoral democracy that once characterized development theory and practice has evolved over time into a focus on governance, or the way political power is applied. With growing evidence that both democratic and authoritarian governments can effectively steer their countries toward sustainable economic development, the attention accorded to national stability, transparency, and regulatory quality has increased. There is growing agreement that the policies a government imposes (e.g. with respect to family planning, education, environmental protection, land tenure, technology, and micro-credit) can fundamentally influence a country’s development outlook. However, more comparative policy research is needed to determine what types of policies have been more effective in different developing-country contexts. Governance and policy issues in the developing world will therefore be cross-cutting elements of the Payson Center’s academic curriculum and research portfolio over the next five years.

Just as sustainable human development occurs primarily at the individual and household level, human vulnerability – to disasters, disease, conflict and environmental hazards – is a condition that must be addressed at the level of the individual. The Payson Center is currently involved in the development and deployment of individual technologies designed to help reduce vulnerability to a variety of external factors. In collaboration with its own ICT staff and institutional partners (Voxiva, Inc.), the Payson Center will continue to develop individual-level technological solutions for critical development problems. All solutions will conform to universally-recognized data definitions and standards to ensure maximum applicability throughout the developing world.

Exemplar of the projects under this service area are: