Abstract:
Geospatial and ICT technologies are making an impact leap due to globally accessible open data solutions addressing
environmental and social challenges, such as rapid urbanization, degradation of marine and land environments, and humanitarian
crises. We are witnessing a rapid growth of innovations built on data and tools tackling local societal problems. At best, these can
provide better opportunities for sustainable solutions and development. The need for geospatial expertise is growing globally, and
the required skills and capabilities of experts are changing. Universities need to think that although the future jobs rely on experts’
geospatial data and technology skills, graduates need to have a strong conceptual and practical understanding of societal problems
and capacity to co-develop solutions, which generate wellbeing and inclusive development. New generation university graduates
need to master the interface between technologies’ potential and societies’ emerging needs, working in a multi-stakeholder
environment and creating innovative and impactful solutions. In this paper, we present a model of institutional cooperation
between five Tanzanian and three Finnish universities, aiming to tackle this transformative education challenge in Tanzania.
GeoICT4e aims to develop innovative and scalable geospatial and ICT e-learning services for Tanzanian universities. Via this
transformation, universities are aiming to enhance the future employment potential of the graduates with digital multi-competence
skills. We present the overall methodology and key activities of the project cooperation, and discuss the opportunities and
challenges related to this transformation, and use of open data and FOSS solutions particularly from the institutional and societal
perspectives.
