MobileActive.org

Research concerning mobile phones and financial services in developing countries has undergone rapid growth in recent years. This paper seeks to improve understanding of this expanding research area and in so doing consider the potential for mobile phone applications for the delivery of financial services for the poor. The current state of knowledge is assessed by reviewing the content of 43 research articles drawn from both peer-reviewed academic journals and non-peer reviewed studies and other practitioner-orientated sources. A framework is developed that categorises and analyses the research according to a socio-technical spectrum, identifying levels of analysis and differentiating research activity according to a lifecycle model that incorporates financial needs, design and applications, adoption and adaptation, and impact. Positive aspects of research to-date are identified, most noticeably the high level of practitioner involvement in research publication and the strong links that have been forged between the mobile phone industry and the research community. This, however, has also caused research to become too narrowly defined and largely a- theoretical. Hence, research weaknesses and gaps are also identified suggesting that issues relating to financial needs and the measurement of impacts have been comparatively neglected, whilst application design and adoption have received greater attention. Emphasis tends to be on devices and new ways to deliver services, but ignores the broader context of financial services for the poor and tends to be technology-led. In order to correct this imbalance in research, the paper identifies key research gaps relating to concepts, methodologies, issues addressed and evidence presented and provides pointers to future research directions.

We are entering the media economy. The
traditional boundaries of the media and
entertainment industry have become
meaningless. Today almost every
business and social activity is a form
of media. An increasing proportion of
our social interactions happen across
media channels. Every organization is
now a media entity, engaged in creating
and disseminating messages among its
staff, customers, and partners to achieve
business objectives. As the physical economy
becomes marginalized and economic value
becomes centered on the virtual, media
encompasses almost everything.
At the same time, many media organizations are experiencing
severe challenges, as content proliferates, audiences change
behaviors, advertising revenue erodes, and new competitors
emerge. Others are prospering as they tap swiftly growing
sectors, leverage amateur content creation, tap the power of
social networks, and scale production costs. Meanwhile adjacent
industries such as telecom, financial services, mobile phones,
consumer electronics, professional services, and even automobile
are becoming media participants. This year's Report contents include:
* Growth Forecasts for the Global Media Market
* Seven Driving Forces Shaping Media
* Future of the Media Lifecycle
* Future of Media: Strategy Tools
* Media Snippets