[GKD] Markle/HP Recommendation to the DOT Force

[Global Knowledge Dev. Moderator]

Dear GKD Members,

As you may know, the US nongovernmental members of the DOT Force are
Markle Foundation and Hewlett/Packard (nonprofit and for-profit members,
respectively). Markle has been holding an online consultation (Digopp)
for US NGOs to feed into the DOT Force report. Drawing from that and
other consultation channels, Markle and H/P have developed a
recommendation for the DOT Force report, for which they are seeking
input. Given GKD members' extensive experience with ICTs and
development, it would be very valuable for them to get your feedback on
the recommendation.

The recommendation responds to the interest shown by DOT Force members
in facilitating collaboration among countries on national policies and
other local strategies that could accelerate the use of ICT for
development.

The idea is that the G8 would establish an "exchange" where developing
countries could broadcast their requests to a wide selection of
organizations capable of providing e-readiness assessments, strategic
advice, and ongoing support. Advice might range from helping formulate
overall national ICT strategies to more focused, tactical steps aimed at
breaking bottlenecks to progress. Mechanisms could vary from
on-the-ground assessments to "virtual policy centers", that could
provide e-mentoring, case studies, discussion groups, virtual help desks
and on-line  workshops.

KEY QUESTIONS

1. Would the approach described above be a viable, productive way for
the G8 and other donors to help developing countries conduct assessments
of their ICT policy environments, and implement programs to foster
effective use of ICTs for sustainable development?

2. What would be needed to encourage local buy-in, and development of
local capacity, necessary for formulating and implementing national
integrated strategies or other results from that type of assistance?

3. Are there certain principles that such an "exchange" could provide to
guide the formation of appropriate policy environments? If so, what are
the most important principles?

4. Based on your experience, does it appear viable and useful for such
an "exchange" to attempt to identify "key success factors" that should
be incorporated into a national ICT strategy?

We are very eager to hear your views, drawn from your experience in the
field.

Many thanks and warm regards,

GKD Moderators



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