Internet of Things and Governments (I)
How can the internet of things aid governance and/or governments in small developing countries?
Blogger: Chesine McDonald
The Internet of Things or IoT is a new phenomenon that has various definitions because some experts believe that the concept is not completely understood universally (World Bank 2017; Halaweh 2013) Some of the definitions in the literature focus on the attributes; noting that IoT has to have a Sensor that collects data that is transferred to the Network that then communicates the data to the Analytics centre that analyses the data, to make recommendations and to take action (World Bank 2017; Halaweh 2013).When you think of IoT, we will use the proposed definition from the World Bank. According to the World Bank, IoT is a system of “connected devices that gather data, connect with the Internet or local networks, generate analytics, and (in some cases) adapt behaviour/responses based on the data/analytics in the network (World Bank 2017).
Based on this definition, we can identify IoT all around us in our world today. We could consider a parking system that alerts citizens of available parking in a mall or at a government building as an IoT. IoT is being used to create smart homes and smart cities where each citizen will live in a world that will be able to anticipate their needs. In Ludwigsburg, Germany, the municipality has used IoT to improve the quality of life for the citizens (World Bank 2017). Ludwigsburg suffers from pollution due to high rates of emissions thus contributing to climate change. This issue is further exacerbated by demographic changes; thus, seeking to improve the living situation for its inhabitants whilst developing an environment that allows businesses to thrive (World Bank 2017). Therefore, they have created the Living LaB Ludwigsburg network that connects all the relevant stakeholders, allowing them access to data that informs better decision making for everyone(World Bank 2017). With the information gathered, stakeholders are encouraged to create applications or to create for example a sensor that measures bicycle routes or one that measures the air quality. Thus, the case of Germany demonstrates IoT aiding in governance.
IoT is in its development stage, thus it is considered as an emerging technology (Brey 2017; Halaweh 2013). This means that although IoT is not necessarily new technology, it is not yet a must have because it is still in the research and development stage. In addition, it is also quite costly to implement as it is not popular on the market, especially in developing countries. As stated by Hakaweh, popularity on the market means that it will be more affordable for all to use, for example when email started out only those who worked in corporate businesses had access to it(Halaweh 2013). On the other hand, IoT as an emerging technology raises concerns of privacy and data protection (Brey, 2017; Halaweh 2013). Oftentimes, these innovations are created without much consideration for how it will affect citizens' privacy and the protection of their data.
As we take into consideration all the different factors, How can the internet of things aid governance and/or governments in small developing countries?
The Internet of Things can be used to improve the health care system in small developing countries. Through the creation of a remote network monitoring system, the health care system of small developing countries will be able to track the health of those most vulnerable especially the elderly who often live by themselves (World Bank 2017). In countries like China, US, Spain utilize IoT to improve the quality of care given to those who are sick. Spain utilizes Galician Health Service (SERGAS) which focuses on monitoring patients in hospital and those out of the hospital to maximize resources (World Bank 2017). Through this system, they can monitor medication doses, movement of the patients and alerts if something goes wrong. This aids in the distribution of doctors, bed and other resources. In applying this system to small developing countries, they would require a network that would manage all the patient’s data as well as at home patients would need wearable devices like a google watch or a portable machine with sensors that monitors their health daily. This would aid the government in the distribution of resources in countries like Jamaica that continues to struggle with available beds to patient ratio. IoT has also been used in Haiti through thermostat sensors to monitor the delivery and storage of vaccines. Thus, it is indeed possible to use IoT in small developing countries; nonetheless concerns of security of the data collected as well as access to limited resources will require training of personnel as well as use of affordable tools in the health care industry.
In Seoul, South Korea, the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) since 1989 has been developing its clean water initiative (World Government Summit 2017). Through the use of IoT, Seoul has been able provide clean water for all its citizens. Moreover, the system present in Seoul was also used to identify the pipes that were damaged, malfunctioning valves and other parts of the water system that were destroyed. They were able to use analytics to identify the correlation between the damaged resources and the weather conditions to improve the system and reduced pike leakages (World Government Summit 2017). A major problem present in many small developing countries is access to clean water, Seoul and Bangladesh have learnt how to leverage their resources for innovation, creating sensors and networks that monitor the quality of water (ateam_admin 2023; World Government Summit 2017). This kind of innovation could spark South-South cooperation, which will may reduce the problem of design requirements. Oftentimes, the infrastructure in developed/industrialised countries are too advanced for the implementation in small developing countries. Consequently, this problem could be reduced through South-South cooperation whereby Jamaica could implement the model designed by South Korea or Bangladesh.
Majority of the small developing countries of the world are located in areas that are susceptible to environmental challenges. India has used IoT to create a network which uses sensors for early detection of tsunamis, the government sends out tsunami alerts to citizens via SMS (Sonardyne 2025). Compatt 5 seabed transponder was developed in 2005 after the catastrophic 2004 tsunami in India. In this case, IoT has helped improve the quality of governance through strategies implemented by the government to safeguard and protect their citizens. This strategy can be applied to issues of climate change and other environmental issues that small developing countries face on a daily basis.
Nevertheless, policy issues, lack of infrastructure, the digital divide, interoperability, limited access to finance continue to affect the implementation of IoT in small developing countries. Additionally, small developing countries will require mechanisms to store and protect citizens data especially in this age of cyber-attacks. However, South-South cooperation combined with the training of citizens and collaboration with other stakeholders such as businesses and NGOs will help to implement more innovations that use IoT.
In order to further explore this topic, here are a few questions:
1) What are some other examples of innovation using IoT in small developing countries?
2) Do you believe that South-South cooperation will be more beneficial for small development countries increased use of IoT?
3) What are some of the challenges of South-South cooperation related to emerging technologies such as IoT?
Bibliography
Ateam_admin. 2023. “Harnessing the Power of IoT in Government: Transforming Governance and Public Services.” A-Team Global (blog). October 27, 2023. https://a-team.global/blog/iot-in-government-and-public-services/.
Brey, Philip. 2017. “Ethics of Emerging Technology.” https://www.4tu.nl/ethics/downloads/default/files/brey-2017-ethics-emerging-tech.pdf.
Gil-Garcia, J. R., N. Helbig, and A. Ojo. 2014. “Being Smart: Emerging Technologies and Innovation in the Public Sector - ScienceDirect.” 2014. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0740624X14001300.
Halaweh, Mohanad. 2013. “Emerging Technology: What Is It.” Journal of Technology Management & Innovation 8 (3): 108–15. https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-27242013000400010.
Pei, Chen, and Yang Tiany. 2015. “Internet of Things (IOT) Development for the Promotion of Information Economy.” https://www.apec.org/docs/default-source/Publications/2015/12/Internet-of-Things-IoT-Development-for-the-Promotion-of-Information-Economy/Workshop-on-IoT-development-for-the-promotion-of-Information-Economy-APEC-Sec-FINAL.pdf.
Roberta Pisani. 2024. “Implementing IoT-Based Solutions in Developing Countries for Achieving SDGs: A Case Study Analysis.” China-USA Business Review 23 (2). https://doi.org/10.17265/1537-1514/2024.02.004.
Sonardyne. 2025. “Underpinning the Indian Tsunami Early Warning System.” Sonardyne. 2025. https://www.sonardyne.com/case-study/underpinning-the-indian-tsunami-early-warning-system/.
World Bank. 2017. “Internet of Things: The New Government to Business Platform: A Review of Opportunities, Practices and Challenges.” https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/610081509689089303/pdf/Internet-of-things-the-new-government-to-business-platform-a-review-of-opportunities-practices-and-challenges.pdf.
World Economic Forum. 2024. “Navigating Cyber Resilience in the Age of Emerging Technologies: Collaborative Solutions for Complex Challenges.” https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Navigating_Cyber_Resilience_in_the_Age_of_Emerging_Technologies_2024.pdf.
World Government Summit. 2017. “BEST GOVERNMENT EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES.” https://govtechprize.worldgovernmentsummit.org/assets/frontend/dist/images/reports-pdf/Best-Government-Emerging-Technologies.pdf.
1. Examples of IoT Innovations in Small Developing Countries
ReplyDeleteIn relation to agriculture and food security, we can look at Kenya & Tanzania that utilizes IoT-based smart irrigation systems help farmers monitor soil moisture and weather conditions, optimizing water use. Additionally, India uses the e-Choupal initiative uses IoT to provide farmers with real-time market prices, weather updates, and farming advice, increasing productivity and reducing middlemen exploitation. As it relates to disaster management and climate monitoring, a good example is Philippines where IoT-based flood monitoring systems use real-time data from sensors in rivers to alert communities before floods occur. Another sector to consider is public transportation where Colombia uses smart traffic lights and GPS-enabled public buses reduce congestion and improve urban mobility and Jamaica were implementing IoT-based real-time bus tracking can enhance transportation efficiency and reduce waiting times with JUTC.
2. Is South-South Cooperation Beneficial for IoT Adoption in Small Developing Countries?
Yes, South-South cooperation (SSC) offers many advantages: countries with similar challenges can share cost-effective IoT solutions (e.g., Bangladesh’s water sensors being adapted in Jamaica). Developing countries may develop low-cost, context-specific IoT innovations rather than relying on expensive Western models. The reduction of dependency on developed nations is needed with cooperation among developing nations reducing reliance on external donors, encouraging self-sufficiency. Countries can pool resources to develop regional research and IoT innovation centers however, SSC must be structured to ensure equal participation, avoiding dominant players controlling the technology.
3. Challenges of South-South Cooperation in Emerging Technologies like IoT
While beneficial, SSC faces several challenges in implementing IoT: many developing nations lack stable internet, electricity, and digital infrastructure necessary for IoT deployment. It can also be noted that IoT devices may be built using different standards, making it difficult to integrate technologies from different countries. Many small developing countries lack strong cybersecurity laws, making IoT data vulnerable to hacking. When considering funding and investment limitations, many developing countries struggle to fund large-scale IoT initiatives, especially if they depend on grants or external loans. While South-South partners may share common challenges, differences in governance, regulations, and economic stability can hinder seamless cooperation.
Thank you for sharing your perspective; I do believe that South South Cooperation is important and will help in the use of emerging technologies. I do think though that maybe each region could adopt similar best practices to combat the inconsistencies that surround South-South Cooperation in the implementation of IoT
DeleteI really enjoyed reading this blog and your insights on how IoT can assist small developing countries to improve goverance and how technology can impact people's lives for the better, even with limited resources.
ReplyDeleteWhen i saw your first question, I immediately thought of the fisheries sector in Jamaica, since i am familiar with it. Here in Jamaica, the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), a statutory body, that is responsible for the developing and managaing Jamaica fisheries resources. The NFA, through the Blue Justice Caribbean Hub, has is using IoT to combatt illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and organized crime in the fisheries sector which has been a long standing concern that had affected the sustainability of the environment and the livelihood of fishing communities. the Blue Justive Caribbean Hub is an intitative that is supported by the United Nations Development Programme to increase regional cooperation, combatt IUU and transnational organized crime in the fisheries sector. It is not a requirment of the NFA for all registered fisher to place GPS trackers on their fishing vessels to allow real-time monitoring of their activities. The information received through the Hub is then shared through a multi-agency mechanism; with maritime security agencies, fisheries inspectors and environment officers to create a coordinated response to IUU fishing and transnational organized crime. This approach does not only strengthen the enforcement efforts and encourage fishers to participate in sustainable fishing practices, but it also provides the sector with the opprtunity to increase safety at sea intitatives, locally and regionally.
I believe that South-South cooperation can be beneficial for small development countries increased use of IoT. This is because these countries often share similar challenges. For example, Caribbean countries normally faces similar issues such as natural deasters, limited infrastructure and financial resources. Instead of independently investing resorures to develop and test IoT solutions, they could form partnerships for a more efficent use of resurces just like the Blue Justice Caribbean Hub.
The challenge I could identify happening with South-South cooperation related to emerging technologies such as IoT is the alignment of different regulatory standards; specifically relating to data privacy and cybersecurity. For example, the multi-agency mechanism through the Blue Justice Caribbean Hub to monitor fisheries related activities. There could be differences in national data protection laws which could cause delays in information sharing or even lead to concerns relating to who controls the information collected from fishers.
Correcting my errors :( - I really enjoyed reading this blog and your insights on how IoT can assist small developing countries to improve goverance and how technology can impact people's lives for the better, even with limited resources.
DeleteWhen i saw your first question, I immediately thought of the fisheries sector in Jamaica, since i am familiar with it. Here in Jamaica, the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), a statutory body, that is responsible for the developing and managaing Jamaica's fisheries resources. The NFA, through the Blue Justice Caribbean Hub, have been using IoT to combatt illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and organized crime in the fisheries sector which has been a long standing concern that has affected the sustainability of the environment and the livelihood of fishing communities. The Blue Justive Caribbean Hub is an intitative that is supported by the United Nations Development Programme to increase regional cooperation, combatt IUU and transnational organized crime in the fisheries sector. It is now a requirment of the NFA for all registered fisher to place GPS trackers on their fishing vessels to allow real-time monitoring of their activities. The information received through the Hub is then shared through a multi-agency mechanism; with maritime security agencies, fisheries inspectors and environment officers to create a coordinated response to IUU fishing and transnational organized crime. This approach does not only strengthen the enforcement efforts and encourage fishers to participate in sustainable fishing practices, but it also provides the sector with the opprtunity to increase safety at sea intitatives, locally and regionally.
I believe that South-South cooperation can be beneficial for small development countries increased use of IoT. This is because these countries often share similar challenges. For example, natural disasters, limited infrastructure and financial resources. Instead of independently investing resorures to develop and test IoT solutions, they could form partnerships for a more efficent use of resurces just like the Blue Justice Caribbean Hub.
The challenge I could identify happening with South-South cooperation related to emerging technologies such as IoT is the alignment of different regulatory standards; specifically relating to data privacy and cybersecurity. For example, the multi-agency mechanism through the Blue Justice Caribbean Hub to monitor fisheries related activities. There could be differences in national data protection laws which could cause delays in information sharing or even concerns relating to who controls the information collected from fishers.
Thank you for sharing such a relevant example to the Caribbean. Do you think that Caribbean countries should implement the same data protection policies ?
DeleteBeautifully written, Chesine.
ReplyDeleteI appreciated your focus on real-world examples of IoT applications, as this makes it easier to see the tangible benefits of these technologies. These examples show that IoT is not just a theoretical concept but a practical tool that is already transforming lives.
1. For example, in Kenya and Tanzania, smart irrigation systems equipped with IoT sensors help farmers monitor soil moisture and weather conditions, optimising water use and increasing crop yields. Similarly, India's e-Choupal initiative provides farmers with real-time market prices and weather updates, thus, allowing for informed decision-making. In the disaster management sector, the Philippines has implemented IoT-based flood monitoring systems that use sensors placed in rivers to provide early warnings, minimising damage and saving more lives. Relatedly, India has deployed IoT-driven tsunami warning systems that send alerts via SMS to at-risk populations. Additionally, with regards to public transportation, Colombia has introduced IoT-enabled traffic management solutions, including smart traffic lights and GPS-tracked public buses, which help reduce congestion and improve urban mobility. Notably, Jamaica is exploring real-time bus tracking systems to enhance public transportation efficiency. Healthcare applications of IoT are also growing.
2. I believe that South-South cooperation (SSC) can be highly beneficial for small developing countries seeking to adopt IoT, as it encourages the exchange of cost-effective and domestic technological solutions. Unlike traditional North-South cooperation, I see SSC as a more practical approach since it allows countries facing similar economic and infrastructural challenges to share best practices and develop affordable innovations together. For instance, Bangladesh’s smart water monitoring sensors, designed to improve rural water access, could be adapted for use in Caribbean nations like Jamaica, where similar water management issues exist. In the fisheries sector, I find the Blue Justice Caribbean Hub to be a great example of how SSC can leverage IoT to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing while strengthening resource management and regional security. Financially, I think SSC offers a major advantage by enabling countries to pool resources, co-develop technologies, and establish joint research centres focused on IoT innovation. I also see it as a way for developing nations to reduce reliance on Western technology providers, maintaining technological sovereignty and creating solutions tailored to their specific needs. However, for SSC to have the greatest impact, I believe that strong institutional frameworks and regulatory cooperation are key to facilitate knowledge-sharing and successful IoT utilisation.
3. Despite its potential benefits, South-South cooperation in IoT adoption faces several key challenges. Many small developing countries struggle with inadequate digital infrastructure, such as unreliable internet connectivity and electricity shortages, which hinder large-scale IoT deployment. For example, while Kenya has successfully implemented smart irrigation systems, many rural farmers still lack the network connectivity required to fully benefit from these technologies. Another major challenge is the lack of standardisation across countries, as IoT devices and platforms often operate on different technical standards, making integration and data-sharing difficult. Take the flood monitoring systems in the Philippines; these may not be easily adaptable for use in Guyana due to variations in data collection methods and system compatibility. Also, many small developing states struggle to secure funding for large-scale IoT initiatives, particularly when reliant on grants or external loans, which can limit the scalability of SSC-driven projects. To address these challenges, I believe that South-South cooperation must focus on harmonising regulatory standards, improving cybersecurity frameworks, and establishing sustainable funding mechanisms.
IoT innovations are already helping small emerging countries in a number of areas. Kenya uses IoT-enabled smart irrigation in farming to achieve the most out of the water it uses and increase crop yields. Rwanda implemented a smart traffic management system based on IoT to cut down on traffic jams, and Bangladesh uses IoT sensors in microgrids to ensure that energy is sent to rural areas more efficiently. While Ghana has also implemented smart trash cans that let the government know when they need to be picked up, which makes cities cleaner. These uses show how IoT can help developing economies better handle their resources and provide services.
ReplyDeleteSouth-South cooperation can speed up the adoption of IoT in small developing countries by making it easier to share costs, share information, and arrive at solutions that work in each situation. Since many developing countries have similar economies and infrastructures, working together has the possibility to make IoT projects more cost-effective and useful. However, there are still some problems, such as inadequate facilities, incompatible technologies, and limited funds. Long-term cooperation may also be difficult to achieve because of concerns about data security, training for workers, and government instability. IoT can play a much greater role in government and development across the Global South if these problems/challenges are fixed by aligning policies, investing in digital infrastructure, and collaborating across borders.
Thank you Chesine for this insightful article !
ReplyDeleteI found your article very fluid and engaging, with a clear progression that makes it enjoyable to read. I particularly appreciate how you detail your examples and acknowledge that we are still in an experimental phase with IoT. It is indeed wise to wait for more concrete evidence on its effectiveness and cost-efficiency before fully committing to such projects, especially considering their high cost for developing countries.
Your discussion on healthcare is very compelling, using examples from both developed countries like Spain and developing contexts such as Haiti, which illustrates the potential for local adaptation of IoT solutions. Moreover, I mentioned it already in Peta-Gaye’s blog article but when you talk about the use of IoT for water management, especially in Seoul where it was useful to « to identify the pipes that were damaged, malfunctioning valves and other parts of the water system that were destroyed », it reminded me of the situation in Guadeloupe where water management faces serious shortcomings (massive leaks, outdated networks, non-compliant treatment plants) and where the implementation of IoT solutions could contribute to better resource management.
I also appreciate that you remain realistic by recognizing that while developed countries can serve as models, they have far greater investment capacities than small developing countries, which enables them to implement more initiatives of this kind. This realistic approach adds depth to your analysis.
Finally, your mention of environmental challenges adds an important dimension to the discussion. By highlighting issues such as the high emission rates in Ludwigsburg that contribute to climate change, you remind us that IoT initiatives must also take into account environmental sustainability. This recognition not only highlights the potential of IoT to improve public services, but also underscores the importance of integrating environmentally friendly practices, especially in regions where environmental degradation is already a pressing concern. It encourages further reflection on how small developing countries can combine technological innovation with sustainable resource management.
Overall, your balanced perspective and practical recommendations make for a very thoughtful contribution to the discussion.