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SMIT – Studies on Media, Information and Telecommunication Pleinlaan 2 – 1050 Brussels – Belgium – T. +32 2 629 24 18 – F. +32 2 629 28 61 - smit@vub.ac.be – http://smit.vub.ac.be Information and Capacity for Information Society Policy SMIT – IBBT Leo Van Audenhove EADI 9 September 2004 Maastricht Observations on the basis of South Africa
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http://smit.vub.ac.be slide 2 IS Policy in South Africa Why is South Africa special? Since early 1990s realisation that ICTs are important After democratic elections 1994 unique position Necessary to rethink and reformulate all policy Coincides with rising international discussion on ICTs opportunity to fomulate innovative & coherent IS policy Since middel 90s ICTs important in many policy areas makes SA interesting case for research and analysis My contribution Discuss South Africas IS policy Pinpoint some of the major problems Reflect on the role of information and capacity
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http://smit.vub.ac.be slide 3 Goals of IS Policy Two main goals ICTs alternative way of providing services Access to telecommunications and basic ICTs Restructuring of Telecommunications Sector Emphasis on MPCCs and telecentres Implementation by different departments Make SA part of the global information economy Performant telecommunications infrastructure Restructuring of Telecommunications Sector Stimulate new innovative branches of economy Stimulate integration of economy in global structures Implementation IS policy gradually becomes more complex Lack of integration between policy areas
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http://smit.vub.ac.be slide 4 Two Paradoxes Telecommunications Regulation & Policy Markets in DC tend to be less perfect Higher degree of regulation necessary Weaker institutions Human capacity more scarce Less information on markets available Project Implementation Environment for implementation less favourable Projects tend to be more complicated Weaker institutions Human capacity more scarce Less information on project environment available Strong need for localised solutions and policy
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http://smit.vub.ac.be slide 5 Information and Capacity SA has build considerable capacity in IS policy Strong effort in terms of education and training BUT: Especially in highly technical fields lack of capacity Reliance on both local and foreign western consultants Focus on international (western) best-practices In certain areas lack of statistics and sound data to underpin decision-making Risk of Sticking to more conservative policy (followers) Based on so-called best-practice Based on generalised scenarios Developed by international consultants One fit for all solutions
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http://smit.vub.ac.be slide 6 Donor efforts Information Exchange of available info taken care of International websites and fora on issues related to IS Lack of local insights, data and statistics remains Capacity building Much more difficult and long term process Need for: Increased regional or South-South exchange of best practice Increased support for national and regional capacity building programmes Support for development of national information basis
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http://smit.vub.ac.be slide 7 Contact Leo Van Audenhove Leo.Van.Audenhove@vub.ac.be Leo.Van.Audenhove@vub.ac.be Website SMIT http://smit.vub.ac.be http://smit.vub.ac.be South Africa’s Information Society Policy http://smit.vub.ac.be/ISPSA/ http://smit.vub.ac.be/ISPSA/
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