DIGITALEUROPE's White Paper, "A Transformational Agenda for the Digital Age," was launched this month to reinforce the priorities for the Digital Agenda, and highlighted the digital-technology industry's critical role across all industries.
"Digital technologies will drive innovation, provide practical solutions to critical global issues such as climate change, and deliver a competitive and prosperous Europe, as we move out of the recession," DIGITALEUROPE Director-General Bridget Cosgrave added at the Granada Ministerial Declaration Meeting in April this year.
It is evident that the Digital Age is like April shower to many countries around the globe. Well planning transformational agenda towards digitalization is now the substantive priorities of the world.
On May 25, 2010, Korea Communications Commission calls on key ministers at the World Information and Communications Summit 2010 (WICS 2010) to shape and share the future ICT together. To harness the opportunities presented by the Digital Age, Ministers around the world will gather at the World Information and Communications Summit 2010 (WICS 2010), hosted by Korea Communications Commission, on May 25, 2010.
The summit, in its sixth year, was kicked off in 2005 to provide Ministers with opportunities to share their policies and visions in the ICT sector and to promote global cooperation. It was held under the name of "World ICT Summit" until 2006 and "IT Ministerial Conference" in 2007 by the former Ministry of Information and Communication. Since 2008, Korea Communications Commission has hosted the summit under the name of "World Information and Communications Summit."
Presentation at a glance
The following is the current status of the ICT sector of countries that will take part in the WICS 2010.
Digitalization of Ghana
As part of its digitalization efforts, the National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana has been pursuing the digital TV transition. It organized a special committee to ensure a coordinated and cost-effective migration from analogue to digital broadcasting. The committee is responsible for setting frequency spectrum for digital broadcasting, formulating strategies for spectrum use, and setting reasonable price of spectrum. Despite many challenges, Ghana is sparing no efforts to ensure that its digital TV transition is seamless, timely and all inclusive.
Rwanda Vision 2020
Under Rwanda Vision 2020, Rwanda aspires to promote the ICT sector and become a middle income country. To this end, it has carried out the national project to build the cable and broadband infrastructure since June 2006. Also, the Ministry of Transport and Communication created the Fund of Telecommunication Investment (FITEL) to bridge the digital gap and build a digital economy. The vision will enable Rwanda to transform itself from an agricultural-subsistence economy into a knowledge-based one.
Mongolia "e-Mongolia" Program
As one of the major growth strategies of Mongolia, "e-Mongolia project" has been carried out by the Information, Communications, Technology and Post Authority (ICTPA). The project aims to achieve goals as follow.
1. To establish legal and regulatory framework
2. To build the ICT infrastructure
3. To map out ICT policies
4. To expand interoperability
5. To spur economic growth through the ICT
6. To raise awareness of the ICT project
7. To foster human resources in the ICT sector
Vietnam's Posts and Telecommunications Development Strategy
The Vietnamese government has mapped out its strategy to make southern cities as the hub of South Asia in economy, finance, and trade by promoting the telecommunications and ICT industry. With telecommunications and posts development strategy, the government will establish a reliable high-speed communications network, thereby increasing the penetration rate of wired and wireless phones and the Internet. It seeks to integrate network services and raise sales of the ICT industry up to 20 percent of total sales by 2020.
Indonesia: ICT 2025 Plan
Indonesia has carried out "ICT 2025 Plan" with an aim to establish the ICT infrastructure, foster talented human resources and revise laws and policies to promote the ICT sector. Under the plan, ICT-related institutions were integrated in 2004, and a national campaign was conducted to raise public awareness of ICT in 2005. From 2006 to 2009, the government expanded ICT-based system and enhanced transparency through e-government. The master plan will enable Indonesia to become a information society by 2025 and ultimately a knowledge economy by 2025.
Chile: Digital Strategy 2007- 2012
Chile has formed "Digital Strategy 2007-2012" to support the ICT industry, build the information society, and boost national productivity and competitiveness. Major projects under the strategy include e-government, telecommunications infrastructure, ICT technology development and standardization, network expansion, and cyber security. The government is even planning to create the ICT industry fund and outsource human resources of the ICT sector.
Thailand: ICT Master Plan 2009-2013
Following the first ICT Master plan from 2002 to 2006, the second ICT Master plan called "Smart Thailand" was adopted last year. The plan was designed to build ICT infrastructure, train ICT experts, and promote the ICT industry. If the plan succeeds, more than 50 percent of population are expected to benefit from ICT technology. Thailand is geared up to increase the sales of ICT and promote ICT as a new growth engine for its economic growth.
Peru PRBD, Project of Reduction Digital Gap
In 2006, Peru embarked on the Project of Reduction Digital Gap (PRBD) to establish the local landline telephone network and broadband infrastructure. The Ministry of Transport and Communication created the Fund of Telecommunication Investment (FITEL) for the project. The government has spent $21.2 million on building the ICT infrastructure in rural area and $10.9 million on establishing local telephone landlines. Communications services are expected to be expanded in remote areas in the near future.
Korea IT Times interviewed the host of WISC 2010, Korea Communications Communication.
Q. Could you summarize the key purposes of the World Information and Communications Summit 2010 (WICS 2010)
A. We hope to achieve three main goals through the WICS 2010. First of all, on the policy front, the summit will give Ministers opportunities to share their policy experience, and in doing so, form cooperative tie for the future cooperation in formulating ICT policies. On the economic front, it aims to help participants explore ways to tap into ICT in the midst of the global economic downturn. Ministers will engage in discussions on ways to improve the quality of life, create more jobs and ultimately achieve sustainable economic growth. Lastly, Ministers can strengthen their cooperation in global issues such as green growth, information security and resource use.
Q. Which countries will attend this year's summit
A. Countries from different continents will participate in the event. They include Mongolia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Ghana and Rwanda. Since we extended our invitation to countries other than those which have confirmed participation, however, more countries are expected to attend the summit.
Q. Are there other events concurrently held with the WICS 2010
A. World IT Show will be held in conjunction with the WICS 2010 at COEX from May 25 to 28. As the largest IT exhibition in Korea, it will serve as a venue to showcase and demonstrate cutting-edge IT technologies and services, promoting Korea's advanced digital culture and creating more business opportunities. We expect approximately 700 companies specializing in the field of broadcasting and communications from Korea and abroad to take part in to introduce and demonstrate their state-of-the-art technologies and services. Visitors to the exhibition can have a glimpse of the future of broadcasting and communications.
There are also events that will take place on the sidelines of the summit. We host Ministerial luncheon and network dinner on May 25. In addition, we will arrange bilateral meetings and visits to companies and research institutes for participating Ministers to make their visit as fruitful as possible.
