Academics from the Global Development Institute are helping to convene a number of panels at the annual Development Studies Association conference taking place on 28–30 June 2023. The theme of the conference is Crisis in the Anthropocene: Rethinking connection and agency for development.

The annual conference will be hybrid (in-person and online combined) to ensure the highest levels of inclusion, flexibility and engagement.

There is a call for papers for all panels at the DSA Conference, for more information on all the panels visit the DSA website. The deadline for submitting papers is 10 February.

For full details of each session and to propose a paper, click on the title.

Digital Transformation for Development 

Convenors:

• Richard Heeks (University of Manchester)
• Bookie Ezeomah (University of Manchester)
• Gianluca Iazzolino (Global Development Institute, University of Manchester)
• Qingna Zhou (University of Manchester)
• Jaco Renken (University of Manchester)
• Rose Pritchard (University of Manchester)
• Aarti Krishnan (University of Manchester)

Short Abstract:

“Digital transformation” is a current buzz term within development and, as such, it requires critical investigation. This panel will analyse the causes, discourse, cases and impact of digital transformation as the latest in a line of technocratic solutions to development problems and crises.

The political economy of late development

Convenors:

• Tom Lavers (University of Manchester)
• Pritish Behuria (University of Manchester)

Short Abstract:

This panel examines the contemporary political economy challenges of late development. It calls for papers that examine the domestic constraints of contemporary structural transformation strategies and also the vulnerabilities of following contemporary non-manufacturing-led development strategies.

Investigating the politics of crisis in African cities

Convenors:

• Sam Hickey (University of Manchester)
• Tim Kelsall (ODI)
• Diana Mitlin (University of Manchester)
• Abdul-Gafaru Abdulai (University of Ghana Business School)

Short Abstract:

Are African cities in perpetual crisis, through climate change, conflict-driven migration, precarious living conditions and the failure of urbanisation to drive economic transformation? New research shows how politics shapes the agency and governance required to address ‘crises’ in African cities.

Where and what is the ‘global’ water crisis in the Anthropocene?

Convenors:

• Filippo Menga (University of Bergamo)
• Maria Rusca (The Global Development Institute)
• Nathaniel Millington (University of Manchester)

Short Abstract:

This panel explores how the water crisis is framed and spatially unfolds in the Anthropocene. To this aim, it examines emerging dimensions of the water crisis, and considers how theorisations of the Anthropocene have re-shaped our understandings of the water crisis.

 

 

Note: This article gives the views of the author/academic featured and does not represent the views of the Global Development Institute as a whole