Title: Digital India: A Call for Action
Pages: 24 pp.
Publisher: Internet and Mobile Association of India
Date (published): 07/10/2009
Date (accessed): 12/04/2010
Type of information: strategy paper
Language: English
On-line access: yes (pdf)
Abstract:
With the number of internet users set to touch 50 million and the number of mobile users already over 400 million, India is on the verge of a Second Information Technology Revolution led by connectivity or the Digital Revolution. This revolution is about reaching the benefits of technology to the people of India.
...
Why are we then not able to achieve the benefits of a digital revolution in India? Why is that countries lagging behind or travelling with us as late as three years ago have gone far ahead and are reaping the benefits of connectivity? The answers are complicated and but not far to seek: we as a nation have no agreement on the benefits of connectivity, we as a nation are happy to have islands of excellence in the vast sea of mediocrity, we as a nation are not aware of the economic and social costs of lack of connectivity to our developmental goals.
What needs to be done to unleash the digital revolution? Not an easy question to answer. But certainly what we need to do is to take a few steps to enable access, make it affordable, allow for an environment for development of applications and encourage people to adopt internet – and hope that this will lead to a self sustaining process which will allow us as individuals, communities and a nation to reap the benefits of leveraging internet to our benefit.

Title: Convergence in Information and Communication Technology: Strategic and Regulatory Considerations
Authors: Rajendra Singh, Siddhartha Raja
Pages: 136 pp.
ISBN: 978-0-8213-8169-4
e-ISBN: 978-0-8213-8171-7
Publisher: The World Bank
Date (published): February 2010
Date (accessed): 08/03/2010
Type of information: report
Language: English
On-line access: yes (Flash)
Abstract:
Growth in the information and technology (ICT) sector has exploded over the past 20 years. Dynamic market and technology developments have led to a phenomenon known as convergence, defined in this volume as the erosion of boundaries between previously separate ICT services, networks, and business practices. Examples include cable television networks that offer phone service, Internet television, and mergers between media and telecommunications firms.

The results are exciting and hold significant promise for developing countries, which can benefit from expanded access, greater competition, and increased investments. However, convergence in ICT is challenging traditional policy and regulatory frameworks. With convergence occurring in countries across the spectrum of economic development, it is critical that policy makers and regulators understand it and respond in ways that maximize the benefits while mitigating the risks.

This volume analyzes the strategic and regulatory dimensions of convergence. It offers policy makers and regulators examples from countries around the world as they address this phenomenon. The authors suggest that countries that enable convergence are likely to reap the greater rewards. But the precise nature of the response will differ by country. Hence, this book offers global principles that should be tailored to local circumstances as regulatory frameworks evolve to address convergence.

Title: Narratives on Digital Bangladesh: Shared Meanings, Shared Concerns
Authors: Jude Genilo, Shamsul Islam, Marium Akther
Pages: 21 pp.
Source: CPRsouth
Date (published): 15/12/2009
Date (accessed): 21/12/2009
Type of information: conference paper
Language: English
On-line access: yes (pdf)
Abstract:
(CPRsouth4: Speaking Truth to Power, Conference, 7 - 8 December 2009, Negombo, Sri Lanka)
One of the campaign promises of the interim Awami League government was a “Digital Bangladesh” by 2021. What the phrase exactly meant remained unclear. Political speeches offered little clues amid the jargon. Hence, some political analysts think that the government simply wanted a political slogan that associated them with modern and progressive thinking. Such was done to win over the educated and young voters, who demanded from the government a strategic emphasis on using Information and Communication Technologies. In using such a catchy slogan, however, the government placed “Digital Bangladesh” on the public agenda. Academic conferences, roundtable discussions and media stories have been executed in its name. This paper looked at the emerging narratives concerning “Digital Bangladesh” to provide some direction to the current government regarding popular consensus - particularly the shared meanings and shared concerns taking shape. It sought to answer the question: What are the understandings of Digital Bangladesh by the various sectors of society – government, business, media, academe, information technology and civil society? The paper used a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory design using the research methods of document examination, interviews and discourse analysis.

From the data, the paper illustrated that there were still no clear definitions, goals and roadmaps on Digital Bangladesh. However, there existed a consensus regarding its beneficiaries, scope, components and feasibility. The study recommended that government continue with and expand the dialogue on Digital Bangladesh, particularly in areas where there have been no clear shared meanings. Government should likewise take off from emerging consensus and address the shared concerns, especially in designing future policies.

See also:
Presentation pdf
Policy Brief pdf

Title: e Sri Lanka: Promise realized?
Author: Rohan Samarajiva
Source: Lanka Business Online (LBO.lk)
Publisher: Vanguard Management Services (Pvt) Limited
Date (published): 02/12/2009
Date (accessed): 03/12/2009
Type of information: article
Language: English
On-line access: yes (HTML)
Abstract:
2009 has been year of celebration for the ICT Agency, the entity created to implement the e Sri Lanka program...For the first Sri Lankan government agency that was supposed to go out of business after having completed its work (by 2008), the first full year of non-sunsetted existence has been full of pomp and ceremony.

What did it achieve in its originally allotted five years? It would be useful to identify criteria that may be used by the citizens of Sri Lanka to assess success and hold it accountable for the next five years.

Success criteria must be related to outputs, not inputs. Not money spent but results achieved in forms that citizens and stakeholders can perceive. The measures would, ideally, be comparative (also applied to other countries). Sri Lanka must have improved its standing relative to our peers. Equipped as it was with a large World Bank credit and empowered as part of the President’s Office, ICTA has no excuses if success has not been achieved.

Title: National Information Society Policy: A Template
Author Editor:
Pages: 143 pp.
Publisher: UNESCO, Information for All Programme
Date (published): 21/11/2009
Date (accessed): 29/11/2009
Type of information: strategy guide
Language: English
On-line access: yes (pdf, 1,8 mb)
Abstract:
It is an established objective of UNESCO to assist in the formulation of national information policy frameworks, in particular within the framework of the Information for All Programme (IFAP). The Tunis Agenda for the Information Society contains a direct appeal for the development of such frameworks:
Taking into consideration the leading role of governments in partnership with other stakeholders in implementing the WSIS outcomes (including the Geneva Plan of Action) at the national level, we encourage those governments that have not yet done so to elaborate, as appropriate, comprehensive, forward-looking and sustainable national e-strategies, including ICT strategies and sectoral e-strategies as appropriate , as an integral part of national development plans and poverty reduction strategies, as soon as possible and before 2010. The present Template is designed to assist in the development of such policies and
strategies.

Title: Archives for the 21st Century Date (published): 24/11/2009 Date (accessed): 27/11/2009 Type of information: strategy paper Language: English On-line access: yes (pdf, 3,7 mb) Abstract: This policy sets out the strategic vision for the sustainable development of a vigorous, publicly funded archive sector across England and Wales. The policy is being issued in parallel versions. It replaces the government policy on archives that was issued by the Lord Chancellor in 1999 and builds on both the positive achievements around public access to information and technological developments. It focuses on actions for publicly funded archives while acknowledging that private archives remain vital to the archival health of the .nation See also: New government policy on archives National Archives, consultation documents A legacy for the future: Archives for the 21st Century press release New government policy on archives Comments by Michael Wills, Minister of State, Ministry of Justice

Title: A Dialogue on ICTs, Human Development, Growth, and Poverty Reduction
Authors: Randy Spence and Matthew Smith
Source: Publius Project
Publisher: Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University
Date (published): 21/09/2009
Date (accessed): 24/09/2009
Type of information: essay
Language: English
On-line access: yes (HTML)
Abstract:
In September 2003, IDRC organized A Dialogue on ICTs and Poverty: The Harvard Forum. The current paper has been drafted as background for a second Harvard Forum - A Dialogue on ICTs, Human Development, Growth and Poverty Reduction, September 2009. Six years later, much has changed. Trends highlighted at the Harvard Forum and elsewhere have progressed and many have accelerated. ICT regulation and policies have improved in many countries, often in response to good research and advocacy. There has been explosive growth in mobile phone access and use in all regions, with both private and non-profit operations servicing the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ (BoP) with very low-margin, high-volume business models.

Title: A 'smarter' Thailand through ICT
Authors: Lay Cheng Tan and Rojana Manowalailao
Source: Bangkok Post
Publisher: The Post Publishing Public Company Limited
Date published: 28/07/2009
Date accessed: 09/08/2009
Type of information: newspaper article
Language: English
On-line access: yes (HTML)
Abstract:
"A "Smarter Thailand" with "Smarter People" and a "Smarter Government" - this is the main goal of Thailand's second Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Master Plan for 2009-2013, drafted by the National Electronic and Computer Technology Center (Nectec).

Progress in the use of ICT in education has been very slow and uneven.

ICT literacy as a goal

The plan aims to increase Thailand's ICT readiness to enable the country to become a major competitor in the global market.

One of its objectives is to encourage 50 percent of the population above 15 years old to be ICT-literate and able to use computers in all areas of their lives.

Human resource development and capacity building will be a major strategy for meeting this target. "

See also:
Second National ICT Master Plan 2552-2556 (2009-2013)
Some further information based on the rough translation of the original document.

Title: The E-Society Programme of Apac District, Uganda
Authors: Arjan de Jager, Margreet van Doodewaard
Pages: 18 pp.
Source: IICD
Publisher: IICD
Date published: May 2008
Date accessed: 21/06/2009
Type of information: research publication
Language: English
On-line access: yes (pdf)
Abstract:
In this article, the authors present and evaluate an e-society strategy in the East African country of Uganda. The programme is based on a participatory approach and the strategic use of digital and analogue ICTs. It aims to improve service delivery to the rural citizens of Apac district and strengthen democratic processes and interaction between Civil Society and Local Government. On the meta-level the project aims to develop a practical model for civil society and local government interaction and collaboration towards common e-society goals. The achievements of the project to date are presented and evaluated according to their impact on the quality of service delivery and the quality of democratic processes. On the basis of this article, the authors elicit lessons that can be used to guide similar programmes in rural areas in the developing world.

Title: Digital Britain: The Final Report (pdf, 3mb)
Author: Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
Pages: 245 pp.
ISBN: 9780101765022
Publisher: UK Government
Date published: June 2009
Date accessed: 17/06/2009
Type of information: government publication
Language: English
On-line access: yes (pdf, MS Word)
Abstract:
The Digital Britain Report is the Government's strategic vision for ensuring that the UK is at the leading edge of the global digital economy. It is an example of industrial activism in a crucial growth sector.

The report contains actions and recommendations to ensure first rate digital and communications infrastructure to promote and protect talent and innovation in our creative industries, to modernize TV and radio frameworks, and support local news, and it introduces policies to maximize the social and economic benefits from digital technologies.

The report provides actions and recommendations to promote and protect talent and innovation in our creative industries, to modernise TV and radio frameworks and support local news, and introduces policies to maximise the social and economic benefits from digital technologies.

The Report is one of the central policy commitments in the Government's Building Britain's Future plan and draft legislative programme.

Digital Britain measures include:

* A three-year National Plan to improve Digital Participation
* Universal Access to today's broadband services by 2012
* Next Generation fund for investment in tomorrow's broadband services
* Digital radio upgrade by the end of 2015
* mobile spectrum liberalisation, enhancing 3G coverage and accelerating Next Generation mobile services
* robust legal and regulatory framework to combat Digital Piracy
* support for public service content partnerships
* a revised digital remit for Channel 4
* consultation on funding options for national, regional and local news

See also:
* Digital Britain: The Final Report (MS Word, 356kb)
* Report sections
* Consultation on legislation to address illicit peer-to-peer (p2p) file-sharing
* DCMS - Community radio consultation seeking views on changes to the current licensing regime
* Digital Britain Impact Assessments (pdf, 1,5mb)