The overwhelming conclusion of both our literature review and our interviews is that many areas urgently need more, and better, research. Given the nature of our sources, some of this sentiment is to be expected: researchers in any field tend to claim a need for more research.
As independent observers, however, we concur with the conclusion that research on the risks associated with ICT adoption has been relatively neglected. In contemporary American society, value is often measured in terms of "progress” — a concept strongly influenced by corporate interests with new technology to sell us. Yet we recommend caution in interpreting marketers' claims about the value of ICTs. When the stakes are so high (in terms of both resource commitment and potential social effects), decisions should be based on evidence other than bald assertions by those with the loudest voices.
We recognize that the Kellogg Foundation does not fund primary research. There are numerous ways, however, in which Kellogg projects can both contribute to and derive value from such research.