A Constructive Technology Assessment Approach to ICT Planning in Developing Countries: Evaluating the First Phase, the Roundtable Workshop Nicolaas P. Moens Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. E-mail: npmoens@solcon.nl Jacqueline E. W. Broerse Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. E-mail: Jacqueline.broerse@falw.vu.nl Lisette Gast Veerstraat 3-II, 1075 SL Amsterdam, The Netherlands. E-mail: lisette@sansa-consult.org Joske F. G. Bunders Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. E-mail: joske.bunders@falw.vu.nl ABSTRACT Information and communication technology (ICT) might play an important role in development. There are many failed implementations as there is limited knowledge of how to apply ICT in a development context. The Roundtable (RT) workshop is a participatory approach based on constructive technology assessment. This paper develops an evaluative framework to assess the effectiveness of the RT workshop. It is an interpretive study based on quantitative and qualitative data from case studies. It is a rare and detailed study on the process and output of a participatory exercise. It shows that the RT workshop is a useful and robust methodology to integrate ICTs in priority areas of sector development like agriculture, education, health, etc. Empowerment, reflexive learning, and networking are key elements to generate owned up ICT projects that are moulded to local needs. In a cross-case analysis relevant contextual factors are identified. C  2009Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Keywords: Roundtable process; participation; constructive technology assessment; information systems; development 1. BACKGROUND Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are relevant to developing countries and have been described as an important leverage for change (UN Millennium Project, 2005; Walsham & Sahay, 2006). Failures are, however, widespread (Heeks, 2002; Krishna & Walsham, 2005) because ICT projects are often not adequately and sensitively molded to the local context. Heeks (1999) points to the gap between “design” and “reality.” This Doug Vogel is the accepting Associate Editor for this article. Information Technology for Development C  2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI: 10.1002/itdj.20130 1