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p. 1 of 23 BACK | NEXT Executive Summary I. Introduction II. The Information Revolution III. Need for an ADB Strategic Approach for ICT 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

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Executive Summary

Information and communication technology (ICT) has become a powerful tool in the fight against world poverty, providing developing countries with an unprecedented opportunity to meet vital development goals, such as poverty reduction, basic health care, and education, far more effectively than before. The countries that will succeed in bridging the digital divide by harnessing the potential of ICT can look forward to enhancing economic growth, and improving human welfare and good governance practices. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is committed to helping bridge the growing digital divide and reap digital dividends within and across its developing member countries (DMCs), in line with the G8’s Okinawa Charter on Global Information Society. Gains from ICT should be used in the DMCs to accelerate social and economic development, improve governance, and generally support the fight against poverty.

This paper aims to explore how ICT can be harnessed as an enabling tool to enhance the impact of ADB’s overarching goal of reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region. The paper lays the groundwork for immediate thinking within DMCs and ADB on how to move quickly and credibly in developing ICT applications and promoting their extensive use. The strategic approach to ICT recognizes that ADB’s financial and human resources are limited, thus its ICT development assistance must be selective, and encourage regional cooperation and networking to enhance local efforts at development and promote private sector participation in ICT development. The DMCs must manage their own ICT strategies and activities to achieve their development agenda. Three strategic thrusts are proposed.

• Create an enabling environment by fostering (i) the development of innovative sector policies, (ii) the strengthening of public institutions; and (iii) the development of ICT facilities and related infrastructure, and networks.

• Build human resources to improve knowledge and skills, and to promote ICT-literacy and lifelong learning of citizens through E-learning and awareness programs.

• Develop ICT applications and information content for ADBsupported projects/activities, e.g., poverty reduction and good governance.

The proposed action plan is expected to be implemented sequentially and will initially comprise the following main activities.

• Undertake E-readiness assessment in selected DMCs following the procedures for formulating ADB’s country strategy and program in a DMC.

• Integrate ICT applications in ADB’s activities to improve the flow and use of information and knowledge for the effective execution of ADB-supported projects and activities.

• Promote strategic alliances and partnershipswith existing ICT initiatives at national, regional, and international levels, and establish principles of effective public-private sector partnerships.

• Establish a center for learning, information, communication, and knowledge for Asia and the Pacific to improve the dissemination and use of information and knowledge for development, as well as best practices, through ICT.

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