IT for Change organised a workshop on 'ICTs for participatory local development – Exploring a systemic approach' in Bengaluru (India) on 9-10 December 2008. The event offered a forum for researchers from five countries – Brazil, India, the Philippines, South Africa and Uganda – to present their initial findings regarding a multi-country ‘ICTs for participatory development’ research coordinated by IT for Change. The research aims to identify critical elements for engaging various local development actors, including local authorities, for employing ICTs systemically for participatory local development, and highlighting the policy and other institutional requirements for such engagement.