Robert Schware

Software industry entry strategies for developing countries: A "walking on two legs" proposition

Abstract Two themes run through the following analysis. First, countries without a relatively active and up-to-date software sector will find it increasingly difficult to “catch up” in terms of capital outlays, labor, skills, and the growing importance of technology changes, organization and management in software production. They will not have, for example, software management experience to undertake increasingly large and complex software development projects; a quality consciousness; and the institutional and support infrastructure for marketing and forming product development alliances with dominant international firms in the sector. Second, the learning curves for domestic and international market activities are quite different, the domestic software market being an important base for skills, experience and establishing a track record that may later be applied to exports. Two developing countries — India and Brazil — have used different development strategies for their software industries and, as could be expected, with disparate results. Both the Brazilian and the Indian software industries are trying to“walk on one leg,” the domestic leg in the case of Brazil and the export leg in the case of India. Both countries have at least some potential for moving to a two-legged model. Assessment of these two industries suggests that countries need to pay more attention to domestic opportunities, since these have high returns in terms of gaining experience and innovation in software production, and provide training that allows a broadening of software exports.

Deploying e‐government programs: the strategic importance of “I” before “E”

Many developing countries are in the initial phases of adopting electronic government (e‐government) programs to improve public services and deliver them as efficiently and conveniently as possible. Our experience with a variety of governments throughout the developing world at different stages of implementing e‐government programs with citizens (G2C), businesses (G2B), and other entities of government (G2G) suggests that a major reason behind the success or failure of e‐government projects is the extent to which, first, the governments address technological infrastructure encouraged by appropriate telecommunications policies; and second, the legal and regulatory instruments required for e‐government. Information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure (the “I”) development is at the heart of successful deployment and sustainability of e‐government programs.

Software industry development in the third world: Policy guidelines, institutional options, and constraints

Abstract This paper examines the constraints and opportunities facing developing country software industries. It investigates the sources of competitive advantage in software production, and scrutinizes the assertion that developing countries will have a competitive advantage in software development due in large part to a presumed labor intensity. It concludes that certain countries either possess or can acquire a competitive advantage in the development of software, but that governments should temper their efforts in this field with a degree of realism that takes into account what is attainable given existing constraints. Finally, the paper offers some policy guidelines with which governments can help fashion a strategy for this sectors development.

Technology in education: the Turkish experiment

Nowadays, the role of information technology in education is being continuously tested in countries all over the world, each with their unique learning environment and culture. In Turkey, the Computer Experimental School (CES) project is a dynamic example of the country’s commitment to opening up educational opportunities to a wider population and accelerating the development of human capital to support the acquisition of a whole new set of twenty-first century skills. There is not much evidence that learning is significantly enhanced by the use of computing systems. The Turkish example discussed in this paper shows how the use of technology must be grounded in curriculum goals, integrated with subject-matter content, and how its introduction may unleash unexpected system-changing forces.

Information and communications technology (ICT) agencies: functions, structures, and best operational practices

A growing number of small states are in the process of establishing ICT agencies to address information society issues of e‐government, e‐infrastructure, e‐industry, e‐learning, and e‐commerce. Some large countries are in the process of integrating telecommunications, IT, and broadcasting into a single ICT agency. This paper outlines the functional requirements for such an agency, and presents a range of international best practices for their focus and operation. The paper also suggests interim measures that can be taken before such agencies are legally established.

Aid agencies and information technology development

Abstract Aid organizations represent an important source of funding for projects involving information technology (IT) in developing countries. However, few of these organizations see information technology as a new and important sector in development, despite the fact that numerous developing countries are themselves committing large human and capital resources to information technology development. This situation may change, given some new initiatives by a few organizations to begin helping developing countries build their own capacity in information technology. This article is a report on these initiatives, and is also a brief analysis of the role of the World Bank in information technology transfer.

Information technology in World Bank financed projects

(1990). Information technology in World Bank financed projects. Information Technology for Development: Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 253-276.

The impact of reform on telecommunications prices and services in the countries of the OECS

No abstract.

Caribbean co‐operation: rise of the regional regulator

Looks at a reform, supported by a World Bank loan for technical assistance and equipment, by five member countries of the Organisation of East Caribbean States that are undergoing a unique experiment in telecommunications liberalization. Sums up that experience suggest this may be an awkward case to make, as there is mounting pressure to deregulate and open up telecommunications markets. Employs a table to emphasize service provider telephone rate reductions.