About MICT

The research group for Media and ICT (MICT), part of the Department of Communication Studies at Ghent University, is characterised by four core competencies and strong, broad-based methodological expertise.

MICT focuses mainly on research into the ‘user’, and specifically into the ‘demand side’: which ICT applications will be in demand by the market and the user? MICT focuses not only on the residential user, but also on all those involved in any of the various stages of ICT-related innovation processes. So it also involves research into hardware manufacturers, content providers and software producers (in the media, healthcare and mobility sectors) and also government bodies and policy-makers. MICT always frames this ICT research in a societal context.

Methodology: qualitative and quantitative expertise

Successful innovative development must be based on a continuous process of complementary qualitative and quantitative user research. MICT has implemented this essential synergy in a range of research tools that has been widely tested and validated in a variety of projects over the last few years. In addition, these tools can be used in the various stages of the process of technological development, and are also applied to the four clusters of content-oriented competencies and the five application domains defined by the IBBT.

Core content-oriented competencies

1. Market analysis and introduction strategies

Regarding the introduction of ICT products and services, MICT will make an analysis of the various actors’ needs, situate the new ICT product in the market, and point out the trends (socio-economic, lifestyle, etc.) that play a part in the introduction. MICT will, furthermore, contribute to working out a marketing communication plan. In the recent past, MICT applied this expertise mainly to the media and telecom market and the needs of e-government, but it can of course also be used in the IBBT’s various application domains.

Examples of projects: ePaper, ADME, IPEA, Vlaanderen Interactief (Telenet, IWT project), MCDP, FLEET (IWT).

2. Adoption and diffusion of ICT

The second area comprises the forecast and study of adoption decisions, and patterns of distribution of innovations, as well as the study of determinants and patterns of use and domestication in living lab settings. This research can be carried out during the various stages of the New Product Development process. At every stage account is taken of the factors that determine success, at the micro, meso and macro levels.

Examples of projects:

  • Maduf
  • Romas
  • Trains
  • VOD research – Belgacom
  • eHUB – Philips
  • iDTV estimate of potential – Telenet
  • 3G – Proximus,
  • Flat TV – Philips

3. ICT policy and regulation

ICT policy and regulation breaks up into several subareas: media policy and regulation, and telecom policy and regulation (including market regulation, universal service regulation, consumer protection, and technical regulation for frequencies, numbering, equipment, etc…). MICT also carries out research into e-governance, in the recent past especially into e-government. In this regard the needs of both the government and the citizen are studied

Examples of projects:

  • ASCIT
  • Multigov
  • MonIT
  • DashGov
  • Analogue switch-off (Flemish government)
  • QoE

4. Media sociology, communities and computer-mediated communication (CMC)

CMC studies attempt to gain an insight into the way people use new media to organise (and reorganise) and maintain relations in social networks and communities. The focus is on shifting communication patterns and power relationships within the digital society. Trends concerning Web 2.0, peer-to-peer networking and social software (blogs, wikis, social bookmarking, collaboration, etc.) are followed closely. The possibilities of applying this extend beyond the area of media (to e-learning, e-culture, etc.)

Examples of projects:

  • VIN
  • Acknowledge
  • CoCoMedia
  • VACF