Imagine the Secretary-General of the UN has tasked you with distributing USD 200 million in innovation funds in the coming 5 years in Latin America. You are thinking of focusing on

access to education specifically in rural areas and you are considering partnerships with technology providers ranging from computers to satellite connectivity as well as local politicians who are keen to help their local communities. You remember that successful projects depend on a clear understanding of the local needs and you decide to conduct a needs assessment that targets the students and schools directly. What type of information would you want to see and know before deciding on which countries and regions to focus your efforts on? How would you perhaps try to get this information?