About the centre

Founded in 2004, SPIDER is an independent centre of enablement in digital transformation at Stockholm University, dedicated to inclusive digitalisation for sustainable development in the Global South.

As a catalyst for systems change, SPIDER supports inclusive innovation, bridges diverse stakeholders across government, academia, civil society and the private sector, and helps build sustainable digital ecosystems.

Research is integral to SPIDER’s approach: every initiative is guided by evidence and its impact is measured using , research-based methods. Through this collaborative model, SPIDER advances equitable digital transformation aligned with global development goals, ensuring that the benefits of digitalisation reach everyone.

 

 

Our story

SPIDER began with a bold vision: to harness the transformative power of digital technologies in the service of development. Established in 2004 at the intersection of academia and global development, SPIDER was designed to ensure that ICT investments in the Global South are grounded in research, evidence, and local realities. Initially focused on channeling Swedish academic expertise into ICT4D projects, SPIDER has since evolved into a globally respected actor in digital transformation, with Stockholm University as a key institutional home.

SPIDER blends academic rigor with development practice. We embed graduate students and researchers into active projects across Africa, Asia, and Latin America turning theory into applied impact. Our research contributions inform policy on health data governance, gender-inclusive innovation, and digital rights. Through initiatives like HADDA, HoliCare, and DANCCE, SPIDER contributes to sustainable digital ecosystems that transcend donor cycles and foster local innovation.

SPIDER exemplifies how a university can be a conduit for transformation beyond its borders. Our long-standing partnerships with institutions in Tanzania, Rwanda, Somalia, and beyond, coupled with EU and Sida-funded projects, make SPIDER a vital contributor to Stockholm University's global engagement. In bridging research and implementation, we redefine the boundaries of academic impact.

 

Publications

Do you want to read about SPIDER's research? Here is a collection of publications from SPIDER, by SPIDER researchers or on SPIDER supported projects. 

Publications page 

Want to know even more?

SPIDER side logo in orange

Visit our website spidercenter.org. Here we focus on digital inclusivity and how it is key for acheiving the sustainable development goals

Last updated: September 1, 2025

Source: SPIDER

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