Catalog

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p. 10 of 23 BACK | NEXT Executive Summary I. Introduction II. The Information Revolution III. Need for an ADB Strategic Approach for ICT A. ADB and ICT B. Why a Strategic Approach? IV. Strategic Thrusts V. Proposed Action Plan VI. Implications for ADB

Toward E-Development in Asia and the Pacific: A Strategic Approach for Information and Communication Technology : III. Need for an ADB Strategic Approach for ICT

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B. Why a Strategic Approach?

19. ICT can provide a great opportunity for DMCs to leapfrog stages of economic development. As the only regional multilateral development bank in the Asia and Pacific region, ADB cannot ignore the growing digital divide within and across its DMCs. Together with its DMCs, ADB must help bridge this divide. Furthermore, in May 2001, at the 34th ADB Annual Meeting, several member countries stressed the importance of ICT and the possible role of ADB in helping its DMCs fully exploit their ICT potential; Japan pledged to assist ADB in promoting ICT in its DMCs. ICT has an ever-increasing role in promoting sustainable economic growth through increases in productivity; promotion of exports, especially of services; and improved markets and quality and efficiency of government services. Provision of ICT can also help the poor access markets, demand services, receive education, and learn new skills. ICT can give a voice to the disadvantaged, a voice that enables the poor to use their own knowledge and strengths to escape poverty. ICT can provide rural populations with access to information such as crop prices, weather, and new farming techniques that can be translated into improved income.

20. A strategic approach to ICT is therefore necessary in providing the broad guidelines on how ICT can be harnessed by ADB to increase the impact and effectiveness of its poverty reduction strategy. It is not meant to be a detailed implementation plan. The strategic approach aims to assist the DMCs to seize the opportunities presented by the digital economy, and gives indications on the broad assistance areas that could be provided. It defines a more responsive but realistic role for ADB on ICT suited to respond to the DMCs’ requirements. The increasing awareness of the positive and negative impact of ICT can help ADB focus its interventions, and identify how synergies with other key players and stakeholders can be built through regional cooperation and strategic partnerships.

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