Social Science Research Council

The Eurasia RAP is developing a project on Information Technology that will focus on understanding how information technology and the internet affects the production of social science in the region, how the digital divide is reflected in social science production and how IT can be used to promote networking and dialogue, the sharing of data bases etc. It will attempt to define where critical interventions may be most productive and will link to significant other IT projects at SSRC. Its first planning meeting was a workshop entitled “Information Technology, Cultural Mapping and the Social Sciences in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)” and was organized in cooperation with the International Institute at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in March 2001.

Planning Meeting

"Information Technology, Cultural Mapping and the Social Sciences in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)"

March 19-20, 2001
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Purpose: This planning meeting emerged from a recommendation of the Eurasia Regional Advisory Panel of the Social Science Research Council and reflects the Panel’s interest in the infrastructural development of the social sciences in the Eurasia region. The meeting was a preliminary conversation toward understanding the base-line features of communication and connectivity among social scientists in the CIS countries, thinking about the role that could be played by IT in supporting existing networks and developing new ones, and identifying which actors could be part of these processes. Examples of different programs and projects were discussed including those that might lead to collaborative relationships with CIS social scientists. Multiple projects may emerge out of this planning meeting, some of which might be organized by the RAP. These could include projects that work towards facilitating connectivity, networking and professionalization of the social sciences in the CIS, or projects that provide social science or educational content.

Panelists were invited to speak to three broad themes:

1. How can new technologies such as GIS, as developed in the University of Michigan’s ECAI project, usefully map social science networks and enhance data collection and sharing between social scientists?

2. How developed is IT capacity in different areas of the CIS? How is the ‘digital divide’ reflected in current social science practices across locations?

3. What are the most critical IT elements for strengthening the social sciences in the face of the digital divide within and between countries? What models are available and what are the particular challenges and/or advantages of each?

Participant List:

SSRC STAFF