Digital Reach

national community. It@foss is seeking PPPs to increase the inno-

vative potential and sustainability of the project. Project manager

Seibold sees a number of partnership opportunities, especially

for “businesses dealing with the creation, distribution and use of

FOSS, particularly local companies and international businesses

wishing to enter markets or reinforce their presence in South-East

Asia. However, we are also looking for private sector partners in

fields of sustainable business development, FOSS applications or

training.”

The project initiators believe that, with the help of the private

sector, the combination of open source software and sustainable

development can have a significant impact as the two share

important principles such as an emphasis on participation, owner-

ship and transparency.

Beyond WSIS 2005

The case studies show how ICTs contribute to economic and

social development by mainstreaming applications into develop-

ment sectors such as education and private sector development.

In addition, they demonstrate the necessity of providing infra-

structure and software applications tailored to the local demand

structure. Governments of developing countries, the donor

community and private sector stakeholders have all agreed on

the enabling role of ICTs. Years of discussions and pilot projects

have passed – it is now time to roll out the benefits of ICT4D.

Instead of reinventing the wheel at the local and sector level, expe-

riences need to be shared and resources galvanized to ensure the

benefits of ICT are made available to all.

From WSIS 2005 onwards, the role of governments will

continue to be crucial in creating an environment in which ICTs

can be used to encourage economic growth and improve the

provision of social services. To this end, the integration of ICT

strategies into national development plans is of great importance.

An enabling ICT policy environment includes open access,

freedom of expression and the free flow of information, but also

investment in local capacity building and service development.

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Photo: Paul-Matthias Braun

A lack of ICT infrastructure often remains a problem, especially in

rural areas

Photo: Romeo Bertolini

The role of the private sector will be crucial if developing coun-

tries are to keep up with the dynamic advancements in

communication technologies. Sustainable business models that

are closely inclined to local demands and long term, socially

responsible private sector engagement is needed.

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and

Development considers it its responsibility to support govern-

ments in the creation of an enabling environment and to facilitate

partnerships which will promote ICT4D.