a) Comparative Analysis of ICT Policies and e-Strategies (Draft)
Dr. Emmanuel C. Lallana
A comparative study of ICT policies and e-Strategies of some Asian countries selected from among those that have ICT legislations, policies, and strategies is being undertaken. The report of the study will be made available at the Asian Forum. The study will provide concrete research and analysis on the strengths and weaknesses that are evident in policies across the region. It will produce a meaningful and qualitative comparison of policy development across Asia. The analysis, which will involve high-, middle- and low-income countries, will look at various socio-economic parameters and ICT issues and concerns, with a view to identifying strengths, weaknesses, similarities, and gaps in policy formulation in Asia. The overall objective of the study is to serve as a guide for planning by policy-makers in order to help them harmonize policy development processes in the region. [more..]

b) e-Primer on ICT Policy Formulation and e-Strategy Development
Mr. Richard Labelle
The objective of this e-primer is to explain the nature of people focused ICT policy formulation and ICT strategy development in plain and straightforward terms. Using examples and practices drawn from Asia and from around the world, the e-primer discusses the place of ICT policymaking in development, in the fight against poverty and in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It focuses on ICT policies that can be applied to deal with these and related development issues, the steps taken in developing ICT policies, including appropriate e-readiness assessment methodologies, participatory methodologies and visioning exercises, some of the questions that need to be considered in developing an ICT strategy, the sectors that ICT policy making needs to deal with and the approach to ICT action planning. Related topics covered include: strategies for various sectors or dealing with certain issues including: information access, e-government, e-business and e-commerce in particular, e-health, ICTs applied to learning at all levels, ICT for scientific research and development, ICTs for local and community development as well as the development objectives and outcomes sought through an ICT strategy. Some of the principles of implementation that need to be considered from a human development perspective are outlined and discussed. [more..]