"For ICT pilot projects to contribute to mainstream development there is a need for evidence based interpretation from a forward looking perspective. In order to fulfil the needs of infoDev, its donors and partners, ICT pilot projects should be viewed as applied research. Therefore ICT pilot projects need to address specific hypotheses and generate appropriate data. For this to happen there should be a common approach. The Framework here focuses on gathering the evidence required in order to make an evidence based interpretation or judgement of the potential outcome of mainstreaming the ICT pilot project in development activities and taking it to scale.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) at the project level is not enough, there is a need for applied research. Undertaking M&E during and after an ICT pilot project is standard good practice and is used for accountability and learning. It is generally incorporated in the project design and managed by the Grantee. It seeks to answer the central premise that if certain activities and outputs are completed then the project will achieve its purpose. Such M&E can be thought of as answering "Project Purpose" orientated questions. However, infoDev, its donors and partners, look on ICT pilot projects from a "proof of concept" point of view and as such its interests lie beyond the fulfilment of the project."