Summary The recently completed GDN Survey found strong demand for a global electronic network to facilitate the creation and sharing of knowledge about development. The Survey, which was sent to all institutions in developing countries know to be engaged in development research, found unexpectedly high levels of connectivity and eagerness to use innovative electronic tools based upon a combination of e-mail and the World Wide Web. The profile and preferences of GDN members that emerges from the Survey, coupled with the unique cost advantages of on-line information, have important implications for potential GDN donors. The Survey also shows which types of electronic services that GDN members would value most. These provide a useful guide for the future development of GDN on-line services.
Most respondents place very high value on electronic services.
Preferences differ little across regions, indicating important economies of scale in providing GDN services globally. This is especially true for electronic services, because of the very low marginal cost of reaching additional participants. The Survey asked respondents for their views about a wide range of potential GDN activities and services. Respondents were asked to rate the value of each of these products on a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 stands for 'not valuable' and 7 for 'extremely valuable'. Finally, respondents were asked to select from the full list of proposed GDN activities, products and services the three that they value most.