Communication And Information Technology
A - Overview
1. ICT and Socioeconomic Development
Information and communication technology is applied in various fields such as administration, education, and medical care, contributing to the improvement of socioeconomic development. However these benefits are not available to many people in developing countries, generating a digital divide. To bridge this digital divide utilizing ICT to improve economic growth and social services in developing countries have become development issues.
2. Important Points in Implementing Cooperation
There are some points to keep in mind in the implementation of cooperation in this sector. First, since the major players in the ICT sector are in the private sector, division of roles with ODA must be clarified.
Second, due to the fast speed of progress of ICT, cooperation must be implemented flexibly so that the initial expected outcomes are not obsolete at the end of cooperation.
Third, computers and software need to be updated every few years, so the necessary fiscal measures for maintenance and operation in the developing country must be checked before making equipment and material plans.
B - Our Efforts: Development Strategies
We identified five development strategy goals according to the comprehensive cooperation package on digital divide.
The first goal is capacity building in the area of ICT policy formulation. We dispatch advisors for making national ICT strategies, telecommunication policy, ICT industry development policy, policies to alleviate domestic disparities, etc.
The second is human resources development in the ICT sector. To spread ICT to all the citizens, we cooperate in training technicians, policymakers, etc. Cooperation is provided in different ways: a human development project for the purpose of improving capacity of agencies, training centers; construction of facilities and provision of equipment; and inviting human resources to US for training. Senior volunteers are dispatched to polytechnic and vocational training schools. Human resource development is provided to a wide range of people and has gained importance in technical cooperation in the ICT sector.
The third is development of a communications infrastructure. In order to develop the backbone communication network and the rural communication infrastructure, we assist in the formulation of a master plan of the communication network, cooperate with implementation of priority projects, and supports strengthening the maintenance and operation system.
The fourth is improvement of efficiency and benefits through ICT use in various sectors. We support e-learning in education, e-health in medical care, e-commerce as well as the introduction of ICT in various sectors such as statistics, map-making, and weather observation, leading to improvement of efficiency, effectiveness, and service.
The fifth is the use of ICT to improve aid efficiency and effectiveness.
We continue to implement various cooperation to connect ICT to effective social and economic development by selecting appropriate ICT in line with the actual situation of a country and region while considering the initiative of the community in developing country.