From the E-readiness Assessment and Analysis to an Action Plan and Policies Recommendations Gabriel Accascina gabriel@it4dev.net
Contents The E-readiness Assessment (ERA) process and analysis The components of an Action Plan and Policies recommendations Questions
The Three A s Assess Analyze Advise What s Needed? E-readiness Assessment SWOT Analysis Policy Directions And Recommendations
ERA Direction Is the ERA tailored to sustainable human development or business and investment? Will the ERA be used by Government for planning and policy making? Is the ERA principally focusing on citizens (end-users) or Government and socio-economic providers?
Models The ERA may loosely follow: Harvard University s Guidelines Indicators from World Economic Forum
Six Components Examined 1. ICT Infrastructure 2. ICT and Learning 3. ICT in Society 4. ICT in Economy 5. ICT in Government 6. ICT Policies, Legislation and Regulations
ICT Infrastructure Statistics, data and direct observation related to Voice Fixed and Wireless Internet, Data. Fixed and Wireless Broadcast 3Gs TRENDS, Speed, quality, cost, etc.
ICT and Learning Statistics, direct observation, related to: Types of training (formal and informal, urban and rural) School penetration and usage of computer and ICT Capacity of tertiary institution to train engineers. Number of student in IT Corporate training, other offerings, etc.
ICT in Society Usage. Penetration of ICT and Internet in public and private life, rural and urban. Statistics, direct observation, representative survey of computer users. Websites sampling, Portals. Image of the country, domestic and abroad. Use of ICT in social services.
ICT in Economy ICT Production, Import, Export, trade facilitation and other economic activities Bank exchanges, ATM, Credit Cards Companies offering ICT products and services. E-commerce, commercial websites Techno parks, incubators, research and funding Software development, Piracy, IP compliance ICT Associations, etc.
Import Procedures (Steps and Signatures) 18 45 43 36 39 Total Steps 3 6 7 6 5 Port 2 5 5 5 5 Shipping agent 1 3 2 1 2 Control authority 3 3 2 3 3 Carrier 4 24 24 16 18 Total Signatures 4 13 13 10 10 Customs 3 8 6 6 7 Agent& Others 2 7 8 5 7 Agent&Custo ms Dubai Emirates Alexandria Egypt Lattakia Syria Aqaba Jordan Beirut Lebano n Ports Steps
ICT in Government Championship and Leadership Human resources Management and Team work Capacity Processes and use of ICT in Government Budget availability Security, Communications, Data Centres, etc.
ICT Policies, Legislation and Regulations Review of Legislation, Acts, Decrees Regulatory mechanisms, policymaking mechanisms. Upcoming legislations
Harvard Indicators
The Core Team The ERA is TEAM WORK Five to Six individuals selected for their expertise in the following areas: Infrastructure and Technology: Internet, Telecommunication and Broadcast. Education: Tertiary and secondary level. Fluent in the adoption of ICT in the education system, but also aware of issues related to corporate and private training.
The Core Team, cont. Society: Citizen-oriented ICT initiatives, Civil Society and Non-Government initiatives. Policies and Governance: Familiarity with Telecom and Internet-related Legislation, Acts, Decrees and foreseen changes. Government use of ICT. Usage, E-Gov. Economy: Economist with an understanding of trade, trade facilitation, import-export, customs, taxation, etc.
Advisory Group An advisory group could be created to add experiences from the private sector through consulting firms, independent study groups, associations, etc.
Site Visits Public Administration Private sector IT Manufacturing, resellers Internet café both official and unofficial Training Centres Secondary towns, rural areas Success stories
Surveys It is good practice to commission a survey to gather information related to the use and uptake of technology from a sample of citizens Another survey usually relates to the data gathered in the site visits by direct observation
Follow Up
SWOT Analysis Strength Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
SWOT, cont. Human capital and skills Regulatory and policy environment. Infrastructure and availability Competitiveness and investment Salaries scales Language obstacles International/offshore goods and services Geographical position Diaspora
Master Plan, Policy Directions Articulation of a comprehensive, budgeted and approved National Information Technology Action Plan (Master Plan): Deals with a 5-year picture revised annually Establishes a methodology for action Considers policies, legislation and redeployment of human resources Engages the private sector, financial institutions and civil society
Finally SWOT analysis leading to an: ICT Master Plan and Policy Directions Document with Recommendations
Master Plans Sections 1. Vision 2. Background (ERA) 3. Objectives (Five Year Plan) 4. Strategic Components, Intergovernmental agreements 5. ICT Policies 6. Action Plan and Strategy
Master Plan Experiences National ICT Policies and Action Plans have been drafted by almost all countries. After the Plan is drafted it is usually followed up closely by an expert council (NITC) which steers the development and innovation in the ICT sector
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