SMIT – Studies on Media, Information and Telecommunication Pleinlaan 2 – 1050 Brussels – Belgium – T – F – Information and Capacity for Information Society Policy SMIT – IBBT Leo Van Audenhove EADI 9 September 2004 Maastricht Observations on the basis of South Africa

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

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

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

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

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

slide 7 Contact Leo Van Audenhove  Website SMIT  South Africa’s Information Society Policy 