Conceptualizations of Barriers and Enablers for Effective Use of Representational Digital Technologies for Development: Public Service Functionaries' Perspectives

Abstract

This paper aims to identify and conceptualize the factors that facilitate the effective use of representational digital technologies for development (RDT4D) and the challenges faced by public service functionaries in developing country. Using inductive thematic analysis, the study also seeks to develop a framework for the effective use of RDT4D. The paper used an online qualitative survey design with self-administered semi-structured questionnaires to collect data from 190 users. The findings highlight several enablers for effective use of RDT4D, including transparent interaction, representational fidelity, management support, and verification, alongside contextual strategies such as blended-training for user communities and effective stakeholder communication. Conversely, barriers identified include representational infidelity, transparency deficiencies, human capital, financial and operational constraints, lack of RDT4D competencies, and insufficient stakeholder involvement. Additionally, novel barriers such as lack of management support, user training deficiencies, and resistance to change were observed. This paper uniquely contributes to the field by presenting a framework that introduces two new drivers and three new barriers to the effective use of RDT4D. Practitioners can utilize this framework as a component of their technology and innovation strategies to design and implement community-centered RDT4D effectively, and to test its applicability in various contexts. United Nations members and policymakers may adopt this framework to enhance the effective use of RDT4D.