Internet Overview:Internet for Development

IT for Decision MakersBy Taholo Kami

for UNESCO

Mission

Improve the quality of life of the people of …….(Name of Country)

Objectives - Overall

Overview and understanding of ICT opportunities, issues and implications for (Insert Name of Country)

Matching national / sectoral priorities and ICT opportunities.

Identifying actions that will enable a knowledge driven society.

Objectives - Participants

All participants understand the possibilities available to them in their various roles in the information age.

All participants are able to identify opportunities and issues that directly affect them and initiate actions for change.

What is the Internet?

Global Network Computers connecting people 400 million users Educated / up market but spreading quickly

Implications in the Pacific Globalization

Access to global information resourcesExtends marketing possibilitiesInstant communications

A Global Network

Global Online Population?

350 - 407 million - Dec 2001 USA/ Canada 167 m Europe 113m Asia / Pacific 104.8

74.6m or 71% from Australia, NZ, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia.

Africa 3.1m Middle East 2.4m Latin America 16.45Source: Nua Internet Surveys

Obstacles - Access and Participation

Access - Expensive

Cost of ComputerInternet Connectivity - $1- $8/hour for dial

up connection

Internet PenetrationLess then 3% of populationLimited to capital or key cities

Obstacles - Capacity

Awareness of Internet potential Unaware of Existence of Network / s Cost vs. Benefits unconvincing

Untrained users Local IT skills are premium commodities Computer literacy still low

Internet Applications

E CommerceTele medicine / HealthDistance EducationE GovernanceAgriculture Knowledge NetworksVirtual Communities

Strategy

InfrastructureHuman Capacity BuildingInvestmentPolicy and Regulation

Components

Infrastructure In Developed Countries the challenge is now

getting the under privileged and remote areas online

Developing Countries basic Telecommunications infrastructure competes with roads, electricity, transport, education for funding.

Economic returns of Telecommunications infrastructure is more difficult to quantify.

Policy and Regulation

I.T. Policy should be aimed at creating an “enabling environment” with affordable access at its core. Duty Free for IT Hardware

Cost / Benefits determined

Incentives for Investment in IT Sound Business Environment

Capacity Building

Developing local capacity in IT skills via education and incentives

Benchmarks Training Teachers - Priority All Students at 4th Form level…. Build value into an Internet Passport scheme Pilot projects in core development priority

areasTourism, Trade, Governance

Financial Support

Financial commitment from Government and donors to strengthen key sectors for development including Telecommunications infrastructure.

Identify core competency areas and fund development of information tools in these fields.

Synergy will lead to IT development in other fields

E Culture

A culture of innovation and entrepreneurship must be developed

Recognize impact on society and develop strategy to counter negative issues.

Develop strategies for building local content and utilizing the Internet to enhance and promote culture

Conclusion

The Internet provides opportunities to new and expanded markets for the Pacific Islands.

Information technology provides new development opportunities to enhance and transform national services such as governance, education, health and commerce.

A concise national IT strategy will ensure scarce resources are utilized in providing necessary infrastructure and services to enable IT development in key sectors.

Ground Rules

1. Its all about People Sell Value - benefits Connect to objectives

2. Relevance Not Reverence Keep technology in perspective Vehicle for achieving our objectives

3. Keep a Borderless perspective

4. Innovate……. Break the Rules