Foundations for the Development of Information and Communication Technologies in Algeria
The rapid pace of information communication technologies (ICT) in the last ten years have transformed developed countries into "information societies". Consequently, new technologies are at the center of debate in developing countries, who also aim at profiting from its advantages. Technology transfer is unprecedented, where electronic commerce, largely due to modern semi-conductors, now allows substantial price, and operational cost reductions. Similarly, the emerging industrial enterprises, mainly small and medium scale, are competitively grouped along complementary activities. In parallel to this ICT penetration in all sectors of the economy, the information content of industrial activity, and productivity is enhanced. This paper looks at the crucial elements to develop ICTs in Algeria, suggesting its transition towards an information economy, requires an economic diversification, and competitiveness strength vis-e-vis international markets. This in turn requires the development of new sources of economic growth. To this end, a strong political will should be in place to achieve political consensus for the implementation of new regulatory frameworks and sector reforms, to establish modern information infrastructures, with the support of the private sector. In addition, it is stipulated human capital should be updated to grasp this information infrastructure and services. However, challenges to overcome are the absence of a strategic development, unfavorable economic conditions, inadequate institutional framework, and most importantly, the vanishing of young educated professionals, particularly within the ICT field.
| Summary: | The rapid pace of information
communication technologies (ICT) in the last ten years have
transformed developed countries into "information
societies". Consequently, new technologies are at the
center of debate in developing countries, who also aim at
profiting from its advantages. Technology transfer is
unprecedented, where electronic commerce, largely due to
modern semi-conductors, now allows substantial price, and
operational cost reductions. Similarly, the emerging
industrial enterprises, mainly small and medium scale, are
competitively grouped along complementary activities. In
parallel to this ICT penetration in all sectors of the
economy, the information content of industrial activity, and
productivity is enhanced. This paper looks at the crucial
elements to develop ICTs in Algeria, suggesting its
transition towards an information economy, requires an
economic diversification, and competitiveness strength
vis-e-vis international markets. This in turn requires the
development of new sources of economic growth. To this end,
a strong political will should be in place to achieve
political consensus for the implementation of new regulatory
frameworks and sector reforms, to establish modern
information infrastructures, with the support of the private
sector. In addition, it is stipulated human capital should
be updated to grasp this information infrastructure and
services. However, challenges to overcome are the absence of
a strategic development, unfavorable economic conditions,
inadequate institutional framework, and most importantly,
the vanishing of young educated professionals, particularly
within the ICT field. |
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