Governments are realising that the ability to use ICT tools to maximise efficiency and economic gain, and to support development, transparency and citizen satisfaction, is a valuable skill needed in all areas.
This has placed ICT development on the government development agenda, fuelling the realisation that developing ICT as a tool and as an industry will help emerging countries bridge the digital divide and become competitive with more technologically advanced countries. Much effort has therefore been made internationally to promote strategies for the development of ICT in emerging economies which, when properly implemented, will provide a foundation for social and economic development.
The 10-week advanced thematic course in ICT Policy and Strategic Planning offers in-depth discussion of national ICT policies and strategies, development, implementation and management, e-readiness assessment and benchmarking, including the analysis of case studies.
By the end of the course, participants should be able to:
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Understand why national ICT strategies are important, and which areas should be covered by these strategies;
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Discuss guiding principles necessary for developing an ICT strategy, and the various key stages involved, from planning to evaluation of the strategy;
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Explain some of the models used in developing ICT strategies, as well as the role of policy research;
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Describe the role and responsibility of stakeholders across various stages;
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Discuss what makes a good policy, and how to develop a good action plan, including the prerequisites and content of an ICT policy;
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Understand the implementation, monitoring and evaluation process, and talk about strategies to mitigate the risks and to ensure the success of an ICT strategy.
The course forms part of the Thematic Phase of Diplo’s Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme (IGCBP). This phase offers in-depth courses that provide deeper understanding of a particular issue. Other courses forming part of this phase - which may run simultaneously or at a later date - include Cybersecurity, E-participation, History of Internet Governance, Infrastructure and Critical Internet Resources, Intellectual Property Rights, and Privacy and Personal Data Protection.
Excerpt from course materials
Essentially, the justification for developing ICT strategies lies in the argument that ICT can be used as a tool for development. First, ICT as an industry on its own provides a plethora of products and services that can be traded for economic benefit. Secondly, ICT as a tool can enhance productivity, increase transparency and accountability, and improve efficiency while at the same time reducing cost. In order to harness all these benefits, countries must establish a strategy for coordinated development of ICT as an industry and as a tool for service delivery. Finally, there is the need for countries to join the global information infrastructure. Indeed, transactions at international level now use ICT media for communication and commerce. This has made it mandatory for countries to get connected.
Course outline
The advanced thematic course in ICT Policy and Strategic Planning covers the following topics:
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Introduction to ICT Strategy explains the necessity for national ICT strategies, the components of ICT strategy, and models for ICT strategy development;
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ICT Policy Development discusses national ICT policies and strategies, including the context and background; it also discusses ICT policy advocacy, the role of stakeholders, and some guiding principles for the development of ICT policies;
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Policy Formulation and Development explains ICT policy as it relates to ICT, and examines the types, cycle, and impact of policy, the role of policy research and analysis, and policy development process and principles. The chapter offers recommendation areas which ICT policy should cover, and discusses issues which a standard ICT policy should address, and contents of a good ICT policy;
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E-readiness and Benchmarking talks about the relationship between ICT policy, e-readiness and benchmarking. It discusses the types, objectives, and tools, and offers examples of ICT benchmarking;
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Development of a Strategic Action Plan discusses some basic strategy concepts and principles, and considers the key steps typically employed in developing the action plan, including prerequisites, elements and content. This chapter also highlights issues to be considered in developing such ICT strategic action plans;
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Implementation of ICT Strategies discusses aspects related to implementation of an action plan, including the monitoring and evaluation of national ICT strategies, major types of programme evaluation, promotion and awareness, roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, and risks and mitigation strategies.
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Case studies will illustrate the theoretical application of the various stages involved in ICT Policy and Strategic Planning.
Reviews
...This course contains many practical and operational tools. After this course, we have all the baggage (in terms of tools) to develop an ICT strategy.
...I liked the fact that I got the opportunity to go more in-depth on those internet issues that have to do with capacity development. The fact that we had feedback from all over the world made it so much richer experience. The step-by-step explanation of the process how to come to a successful project implementation of internet for development is something that will be of benefit to me and those I work with for a long time.
