Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as an enabler for growth and development Sectoral Debate Presentation by Julian J. Robinson Minister of State Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy & Mining May 28, 2013
S. E. St. Andrew – focusing on education as a tool for transformation • Summer camps – targeting 1, 000 students across 7 communities (Nannyville, Swallowfield, Jacques Rd, Mc. Gregor, Franklyn Town, Woodford Park, Slipe Road) • 4 categories of students – – Ages 4 -6 – pre primary stage Ages 7 -9 – preparing for the Grade 4 Tests Ages 10 -12 – preparing for GSAT Ages 12 -15 – young teenagers • Pre and post assessments to determine those needing special intervention • Introduction of computers and locally developed software application for GSAT students
Education – only means for social transformation • Establishment of the Swallowfield after school program in collaboration with the International University of the Caribbean • Construction of additional classrooms at the Destowe Bennett Basic School on Langston Road • Establishment of a computer lab at the Mc. Gregor Gardens community centre • Preparatory work for the establishment of a computer lab at the Jacques Road community centre in collaboration with the Carib Cement Company
Infrastructure works focused on roads and gullies • Under JEEP, undertook road repairs in a number of areas and in particular, Vineyard Town, Trafalgar Park and Swallowfield • Major gully repairs were completed in the Lilford Ave, Woodford Park, Lexington Ave, First Ave and Mountain View Ave areas • Resurfacing and erection of sidewalks along Mountain View Ave
Transformation of Mountain View Ave • • • The area has enjoyed relative peace over the last number of years There is however a need for sustainable economic activity in the area The concept is to establish small shops on the roadside to facilitate food vendors and artisans from the area Private sector companies would be invited to brand the shops The areas that can be used for this are the abandoned houses and lots along the main road
Hosting annual constituency consultations Constituency Development Fund Consultations • June 5, 2013 at 6 pm at Unity Church Hall (corner Fairway & Old Hope Road) • June 12, 2013 at 6 pm at Christ Church Hall, Antrim Road, Vineyard Town Objectives • To report to residents on expenditures of CDF for last financial year • To discuss proposed projects and initiatives for this financial year • To get input, feedback and recommendations from residents
Vision 2030 and the ICT sector The Vision 2030 Jamaica – National Development Plan sees the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) sector as playing a central role in the transformation of Jamaica over the next two decades on the path toward making the transition to becoming a developed country. ICTs have become engines for social and economic growth globally. Their appropriate utilization can improve the lives of all Jamaicans and the vision is for Jamaica to utilize ICTs to attain developed country status by 2030. This will involve growth of the ICT sector and the application of ICT in all sectors and at all levels to achieve rapid and sustained development.
The ICT Value Proposition
The ICT Value Proposition 1) Facilitating ICT Investment in the Economy: This is a critical component of the ICT value-creation strategy, which specifically concerns the reversal of our high ICT consumption-to-production ratio and accelerate our positioning as net producers of ICT innovations, with the capacity to satisfy local demand, and supply the regional and, ultimately, global markets. 2) Improving the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Government through ICT: Targets the overall productivity, cost, and operational effectiveness of the Public sector with particular reference to the sectors responsiveness to the needs of citizens through the purposeful application of appropriate ICT solutions that are geared towards reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and increasing transparency. 3) Stimulating Enhanced / New business opportunities in the local ICT sector: Ultimately, if the GOJ assisted in creating and exploiting opportunities for the ICT sector to participate in the aforementioned areas, the commercial incentive can lead to much needed capacity building, the development of the ICT skills of local developers and designers, and the emergence of new business models and entrepreneurial opportunities. We believe that the development of local ICT capacity and competencies must also seek to exploit the significant ICT business opportunities in off/near-shoring and business process outsourcing and seek to serve local and regional public and private sector ICT needs. Indeed, a focus on developing local ICT capacity will enhance the attractiveness of Jamaica as a near-shore ICT destination, given our other competitive geographical attributes. • Concretizing Government’s facilitative role in catalysing Innovation: While we continue to strongly exhort all ICT stakeholders to engage in innovation-seeking and exercise resourcefulness in pursuing ICT-enabled opportunities, we accept the critical need for the Government to stimulate innovation and ICT supported empowerment. This includes: a) Leading by example, through our own imaginative use of ICT to drive efficiencies and improve service delivery in the Public Sector b) Lowering the barriers to experimentation for entrepreneurs c) Opening up Government data to enable broader citizen engagement and participation in public sector innovation and the creation of new entrepreneurial business models
The ICT Road Map As distinct from the broader statements of intent relating to ICT in Vision 2030, the ICT Roadmap is an action-oriented portfolio of initiatives, formulated over three distinct time horizons: 5 -years (for long-term objective), 3 years (the medium term) and 18 months (to address short term priorities). Each initiative is situated in one of the following four major pillars: National ICT Strategy, Policy & Legislation: Strengthening the ICT governance and administrative framework through the development and promulgation of key pieces of legislation, supporting policy guidelines and regulatory reform. National ICT Infrastructure: Continuing to build out Jamaica’s National ICT infrastructure to facilitate future broadband deployment, and to ensure a competitive sector and digital inclusiveness for all our citizens ICT-enabled Public Sector Modernization: Solidifying the capacity of public institutions and providing the governance framework to deliver efficient and effective public goods and services through the establishment of a more effective Government ICT infrastructure and establishing the institutional capability to architect the overarching technology vision and provide leadership in the development and implementation of the Go. J’s ICT strategy and programmes. ICT Sector Capacity Building / Innovation Enablement: Utilizing appropriate mechanisms to stimulate new business opportunities, innovation and entrepreneurship in the local ICT sector
The ICT Road Map
National ICT Strategy, Policy & Legislation
The Information & Communications Technology Act ICT Policy 2011 - All existing laws relevant to ICT are harmonized and new legislation promulgated. Objectives: To provide the ICT sector with an adequate legislative, legal and regulatory framework which addresses: • licensing, interconnection and access • current trends and emerging technologies • competitiveness • consumer protection Milestones: • International Telecommunication Union (ITU) assistance obtained under the Harmonization of ICT Policies, Legislation and Regulatory Procedures (HIPCAR) Project • Consultant has been engaged to review and develop drafting instructions • Stakeholder consultations planned for 9 -10 July and 26 -27 August, 2013 Implementation: • Draft Bill by March 2014 • Act promulgated in FY 2014/2015
Single ICT Regulator Objectives: • Removal of inconsistency, overlapping of jurisdiction and fragmentation • Generate savings in staffing and other expenditures • Establishment of a regulatory structure that is reflective of the nature of the industry being regulated Milestones: • Obtained grant funding from the IDB • Consultant to be procured by Sept 2013 Deliverables of the Consultancy – March 2014 • Review the current administrative and regulatory framework and governance model for the ICT sector and make specific recommendations for drafting appropriate strategic legislation for the establishment of a converged stand-alone ICT Regulator. • Proposal for an organizational structure for the establishment and implementation of a converged stand-alone ICT regulator including estimated cost of the establishment of the ICT Regulator and the systems required to deliver its mandate.
Data Protection Legislation Objective: To implement a more uniform, robust and clear legal mandate with regard to the protection of privacy and personal information is required. The Act will seek to protect the privacy of individuals in relation to personal data and the regulation of the collection, processing, keeping, use and disclosure of certain information relating to individuals. Milestones to date: • ITU assistance obtained under the HIPCAR Project • Consultant has been engaged to develop drafting instructions • Stakeholder sensitization workshop held May 14 -16, 2013 Implementation: • Bill to be tabled in Parliament during this fiscal year 2013/14
Cybercrimes Legislation Objective: To strengthen the legislation and to ensure that it is in keeping with international best practice, as well as, effectively criminalizes emerging types of cybercrime. Cybercrimes Act promulgated in 2010. Section 21 of the Act requires that its provisions be reviewed by a Joint Select Committee of the Houses of Parliament after the expiration of 2 years from the date of commencement of the Act. Implementation: • Joint Select Committee established in February 2013 chaired by Julian Robinson • Submissions received from a number of public and private sector organisations and individuals • Summary of recommendations to be examined by Committee in June 2013 • Final Committee report to be made to the Houses of Parliament by July 2013 • Amended Act to be tabled in Parliament by December 2013
Establishment of a Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT) Objective: CERT/CIRT will assist in the protection of Jamaica’s Internet infrastructure by coordinating defences against and responses to cyberattacks/threats. Benefits: • Serve as a trusted national point of contact/clearinghouse for cyber threat identification, defence coordination (including tracking) and management. • Enable the development of an infrastructure for coordinating response to threats. • Enable the development of capability to support incident reporting. • Conduct incident, vulnerability and artifact analysis. • Help organisations develop their own incident management capabilities. • Make security best practices and guidance available to the wider public. • Provide awareness, education and training regarding cyber threats.
Cyber Emergency Response Team (cont) Milestones: • Agreement entered into with the ITU to provide technical assistance to establish the national CERT/CIRT and to assist in the building and deployment the related technical capabilities • Consultation slated for June 2013 • Implementation slated for December 2013 Deliverables under the Project: • Establishment of a functioning national CERT/CIRT able to provide its constituents with a basic set of services, i. e, identify, respond to, and manage cyber-threats. • Identification of national critical information infrastructure sectors and establishment of a foundation that will be able to further elaborate and implement a national cyber security strategy. • Capacity building and knowledge transfer.
Establishment of a Cyber Security Task Force Background: In recent years the government and the private sector have reported increasing numbers of cyber security incidents. These threats have placed sensitive information at risk with possible serious negative impacts to critical public and private operations or infrastructure; jeopardizing the confidentiality, integrity and availability of sensitive information. The security of the Internet and cyberspace is considered to be one of the most serious economic and national security challenges faced globally and one to which governments must respond. Mandate: To create a framework to facilitate the building and enhancement of confidence in the use of cyberspace through collaboration amongst all the stakeholders; with a view to advancing Jamaica’s economic interests and maintaining national security under all conditions. Composition & Reporting: • Broad cross section of stakeholders in the private and public sector • Will report to the Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Implementation: • June 2013
Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) Pilot Project Objectives: The promotion of FOSS will assist the Go. J with software availability and reduce its reliance on proprietary software, thereby saving cost. Deliverables under the Pilot Project: • Produce an inception report outlining the allocation of resources and the plan for knowledge transfer to the GOJ; • Conduct a critical review of the previous FOSS pilot project undertaken by the GOJ as part of the IDB/ICT Project and produce a report on the same; • Develop a FOSS migration strategy and corresponding guidelines; Implement three (3) pilot projects, one in each of the selected MDAs, to validate and adapt the FOSS migration methodology; • FOSS National Governance Framework And Policy Guidelines • Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM) to act as the interface between the GOJ and the University of Informatics Sciences (UCI), in Havana, Cuba. Milestones and Implementation: • Memorandum of Understanding finalised • Pilot to commence in July 2013 with completion slated for December 2013
National ICT Infrastructure
Establishment of a broadband strategy and plan (Regional) Background: • Vision 2030 (National Strategy) - Expand the broadband network islandwide Broadband Infrastructure Inventory and Public Awareness in the Caribbean Project (REGIONAL) Objectives: • Assess the current state of broadband availability; analyze the current institutional, legal and regulatory framework in the region and make recommendations including costs, responsible agencies to improve the infrastructural eco-system in the region so that the penetration rate and usage of broadband services is improved. Beneficiary countries: • Jamaica, Belize, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago
Establishment of a broadband strategy and plan (cont) Deliverables under the Project: • Develop a broadband diagnosis per country and a series of broadband infrastructure maps for all Caribbean countries. • Identify major obstacles in the regulatory and institutional frameworks and provide legal, operational and organizational recommendations to address them. • Promote ICT awareness and capacity building in each participating country, through the design of programs that address the needs of different target audiences (public officers, business persons and citizens). • Define a regional broadband plan that takes into consideration the existing broadband status of each Caribbean country. Milestones: • IDB grant funding has been secured • Project Launch - 5 February, 2013 • Project Steering Committee and Project Technical Committee established Implementation: • In progress with proposed end date September 2014
Establishment of a Broadband Development Project (local) Objective: To obtain a better understanding of the current Geographic Information Systems (GIS) capabilities available within the GOJ that will be relevant to plan for the future design and launch of an interactive broadband coverage map and dashboard which will assist in assessing the broadband coverage in the country. Deliverables under the Project: Assessment of GIS capabilities already available within GOJ in order to: 1. Prepare and plan for the development and hosting of an interactive broadband coverage map and dashboard; and 2. Identify any datasets and technical capabilities that may be required to implement, operationalize and maintain the system. Milestones & Implementation: • IDB grant funding has been secured • Final report to be submitted by January 2014
The Government has built out 133 community access points What is a Community Access Point (CAP)? A Community Access Point is an Internet service facility established in collaboration with community organizations throughout Jamaica and funded by the Universal Service Fund in furtherance of the Government’s Universal Service Obligation. Computers, associated equipment, and Internet access are provided to allow Jamaican residents to access the Internet. CAPs enable members of the Jamaican communities to use the internet at minimal or no cost to them to facilitate research, bill payments, education, communication, business, marketing, and social networking. The Universal Service Fund has approved funding for 180 CAPs as at April 2013, 133 of which have been commissioned to service.
The Government is building out an island wide broadband network Island-wide Broadband Network? Broadband is a term used to describe a network that can transmit a wide range of signals, including audio and video. Broadband networks are especially useful in the networked World, as they can carry many signals at once, resulting in faster data transmission. Broadband signals are usually transmitted over four different types of infrastructure/medium (i. Copper wires pairs that are used in most land based telephone infrastructure; ii. Fiber optic cable – preferred for land based transmission; iii. Wireless signals from satellite or transmission towers; and iv. Cable TV, - coaxial cable infrastructure). Jamaica is fortunate to have multiple options for the provision of Internet access even though the coverage remains limited and is heavily concentrated in the urban and sub-urban areas of the country. Jamaica’s Broadband Network will provide island-wide coverage with initial connectivity in schools, Libraries, and Post Offices. So far a combined total of 222 of these institutions have been connected with LIME connecting the southern end of the
The network is being deployed at schools, libraries and post offices
The network is being deployed at schools, libraries and post offices (cont)
Establishment of Number Portability Objective: To enable customers to retain their assigned telephone number(s) independently of the Operator providing the service. Benefits: • Allows consumers to choose a service provider based on service, quality, and price, rather than on a desire to retain a particular telephone number. • Allows consumers to change service providers while avoiding the time, costs and risks associated with changing numbers. • Promotes competition by eliminating real or perceived barriers to customers switching service providers and thus makes it easier for entry into the market by new players.
Number Portability Implementation Drafting and gazetting of NP rules Critical milestones to date: April to July 2013 • Two stakeholder consultations hosted - One with the Telecom providers on October 12, 2012 the other with the general public on October 18, 2012. Procurement of central database & order handing • Informal Number Portability Working Group (INPWG) established to ensure the successful implementation of number portability. Membership includes Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy & Mining, Office of Utilities Regulation, Digicel, LIME and Flow - January 17, 2013 June to Sept 2013 Consumer education & awareness program June 2013 ongoing • Cabinet Approval received to issue drafting instructions for Number Portability Rules - March 18, 2013 Implementation and testing activities for network readiness • Drafting Instructions issued to Chief Parliamentary Counsel (CPC) - April 15, 2013 Sept to March 2014 Training and updates March to April 2014 Launch May 2014 • Three sub-committees established - Technical, Business & Commercial and Legal & Regulatory • Draft RFP prepared by Technical Subcommittee and to be reviewed by INPWG at its next meeting on June 6, 2013
Auction of the 700 MHZ frequency Objective: To award two (2) Licences for use of frequency in the 700 MHz band with a view to attracting a new entry into the market which will in turn result in, inter alia: • More cost effective deployment of 4 G networks in Jamaica which will deliver data rates (up to 100 Mbits/s download, and up to 70 Mbits/s upload) and enable video application in higher definition than is possible with existing 3 G technologies. • Provide additional revenue for the GOJ. Milestones: • Information Memorandum (IM) published - April 15, 2013 • Published answers to questions raised on the IM - May 8, 2013 • Public Consultation postponed in the interest of ensuring the involvement of all stakeholders interested in this auction process - Date to be announced
ICT enabled Public Sector Modernization
Launch of EGov Jamaica Ltd Transition Team established with the following working groups • Governance • Projects • Transitioning and Logistics • Communication and Sensitization Milestones: • Cabinet decision of January 2013 for; • Renaming of Fiscal Services Ltd to e. Gov Jamaica Ltd • Winding up of Central information and Technology Office (CITO) and transfer of CITO functions to Policy Unit in MSTEM - June 2013 • Appointment of a Chief Information Officer - December 2013 • Preparation for the launch of this new entity, including plans for a e. Gov conference • Strategies to link e. Gov Jamaica, Vision 2030 and global transformational EGovernment best-practices
Establishment of Gov. Net Objectives: To create a secure network linking all GOJ Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) providing data and voice services. Benefits/Outcome: • Realise significant savings through the use of a communications and data backbone - Better economies of scale for purchasing voice, data and ICT services. • Improved sharing of data between MDAs. • Provide the basis for the transformation of government services. Deliverables under the Gov. NET Project Consultancy: • Report on the Economic Rationale for Gov. Net including a detailed business model. The Government will have an evidence-based financial plan to justify the establishment of a single platform across the public sector for communications and the provision of citizen services which will reduce Public Sector costs. Document, with the creation of a database, an inventory of government owned network communications infrastructure assets. • Create the technical specifications for development of Gov. Net in phases which would include the creation of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Gov. Net. • Develop the GOJ ICT User Policy and Gov. Net Management Policy, which includes the strengthening of CITO to manage Gov. Net once it is created.
Implementation of Gov. Net Milestones: • Establishment of project team consisting of stakeholders across MT&W, MSTEM, FSL/Mo. FP and Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ). • Assessment of the current Go. J fibre network to ensure proper value is agreed for the financial model i. e. BOOT. • Second component is a “Telephony Cost Reduction” assessment exercise. • Part of the overall cost reduction under taking given to IMF. • Detail data is being collected on the Go. J telecommunications costs. • Extensive statistical data modelling is being done on the data gathered. • Data is being collected from 16 key MDAs including Min of Sec, Min of Fin, MSTEM, FSL, Mo. A&F, MT&W. • RFP to be issued by July 2013—envisioned to be a PPP • Selection of provider by October 2013 • Implementation by 1 st Quarter 2014
Tablets in School Pilot Project Overview: e-LJam will commence a pilot project in September 2013, that will provide approximately 30, 000 tablets to students and teachers in 37 pre-primary, primary and secondary schools island wide, selected based on the need for improved performance. The project will also provide other e-learning technologies, internet connectivity, relevant e-content, and the training of teachers, instructors and facilitators at the various access points in the surrounding neighbourhood of the selected schools. Objectives and Scope: • To provide children in the selected pre-primary, primary and secondary schools with appropriate tablets, based on agreed guidelines for e-learning devices • To provide the pre-primary and primary schools with appropriate technology, appropriate e-content and training of teachers in technology integration • To assist teachers in all selected schools to acquire an appropriate e-Learning computing device • To provide state homes that cater for vulnerable citizens, children and adults in the neighbourhood of the selected schools with computer and audiovisual equipment • To provide learners at Libraries, CAPs, JFLL and other learning centres in the neighbourhood of the selected schools with access to relevant e-Learning content • To ensure that teachers in selected schools and persons at the neighbourhood access points who are charged with the responsibility have the necessary skills to facilitate the learners accessing online resources • To provide ubiquitous internet access to school campuses and access points • To provide technical and implementation support to the schools and access points • To educate the school community in the use and value of the tablets and other technologies to job creation and the economic development of the community
Tablets in School Pilot Project (cont) Outcomes for Learners (Children and Adults) • Have the opportunity to work on computers at school, at home, and at various access points in the community. • Be encouraged to access e-learning content by means of a range of public relations strategies, including edutainment. • Improve ability to work productively outside the classroom, with homework assignments uploaded or delivered by mobile phone, with hotlines or Facebook pages for accessing help rapidly, and with quick feedback from teachers (grades and comments) as necessary. • Show measurable benefit from use of e-learning content, improving weak areas, producing improved research projects; equipping themselves with the information needed for class discussion and analysis. • Be encouraged to protect computer devices, following guidelines for care, and reducing computer down time due to mishandling.
ICT Sector Capacity Building/ Innovation Enablement
Jamaica is moving up the BPO value chain Recent Developments • Canadian software development company located at the UWI Tech Park has hired 11 computer science graduates and is providing services to clients in North America • AT&T has placed Jamaica on an approved list of 8 countries globally that they outsource to; • Other countries – Canada, India, Philippines, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico • 2 years ago, Colombia was approved by AT&T and now has 6, 000 jobs • One local BPO company already has commitment for 200 jobs • Sutherland Global has partnered with NCU and will commence a pilot project in Mandeville in the next 3 months • Netflix, the world's leading internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV shows with over 33 M members is now outsourcing to Jamaica
The Jamaica Venture Capital Ecosystem Project The DBJ, with the assistance of the Inter-American Development Bank’s Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) has commenced a review of the local environment in order to design an appropriate programme aimed at the development of an ecosystem conducive to private equity and venture capital development in Jamaica. This programme will address, among other things, the development of an appropriate legal and regulatory framework and improving the expertise of local fund managers and investors seeking to invest in local businesses, through workshops and other training events. The DBJ will also further strengthen capacity building initiatives aimed at improving the readiness of eligible SMEs for investment. Among the initiatives to support the development and preparedness of SMEs and entrepreneurs, is the encouragement of collaboration among the local academic institutions, the private sector and public sector, to establish a formal incubator network in order to ensure that SMEs and entrepreneurs at all levels, have access to a clear roadmap for development and accessing of finance and to ensure that local incubators optimize the services being offered to entrepreneurs. Implementation Timeframe: • Completion of strategic plan and proposed legislative recommendations – September 2013 • Capacity building conference for local stakeholders – September 2013 • First training workshop for fund managers – November 2013 • Development of the framework plan for the DBJ Fund – 1 st Quarter 2014 • Selection criteria for fund manager • Development of Request for Proposal • Launch of DBJ Fund – 3 rd Quarter 2014
UWI Microsoft Innovation Centre The UWI MIC PILOT offerings are designed to accelerate technology and stimulate the local software economy through skills and professional training, industry partnerships and innovation The UWI MIC will help to foster innovation and stimulate a sustainable local software economy. The UWI MIC will be hosted through the UWI Business Centre. The target audience for UWI MIC will be entrepreneurs, software developers, IT professionals, and academic researchers. IT Academy Developer Camp üTraining on official Microsoft technology üHelp startups/ISVs adopt new technologies üPreparation for Microsoft certification üIdentify new business models for startups/ISVs üPreparation for the global economy Imagine Cup üPreparation for the WW Microsoftware contest üTraining, coaches, mentorship üPrototype development MIC Technical Trainee & Studentto-Business üPrepare students for the world of work üProvide internships and match for job interviews
Kingstoon – animation festival Background: At a growth rate of roughly 9%, the output value of global animation industry has reached US$222. 8 billion in 2012, and animation-related derivatives have exceeded US$500 billion. As animation skills are transportable, any individual with animation skills can service clients globally from anywhere. As internal markets for animation products in these countries grow, they are shifting their strategic emphasis away from service work (outsourcing) to development and production of local content, thus creating a gap in the provision of outsourcing services Objectives: • To raise awareness in Jamaica about the emerging opportunities in the animation industry, by engaging directly global industry leaders in various aspects of the business of animation including education; • To give visibility to the pool of talented young Jamaicans and regional artists who may be working on a freelancing basis or may simply have raw talent in the visual arts that can be molded into a professional career development; • To identify key bottlenecks for the development of the industry and seek feasible solutions that would allow Jamaica to emerge in the global arena as a destination of choice for animation.
Mobile Money Background Research conducted by UWI shows that 34% of the adult population in Jamaica do not own bank accounts (unbanked). Of the 66% that own a bank account, only 12% own transactional accounts (Highly Banked). Therefore, over 80% of adult Jamaicans have limited access to a low-cost, efficient and easily accessible payments channel. Mobile Money holds great promise as an effective means of increasing the efficiency of domestic commerce and extending financial services to traditionally unbanked consumers, with the potential to enhance financial inclusion which is an important development indicator. A readily accessible payment channel via the mobile phone can also indirectly lead to job creation and innovation by providing entrepreneurs with access to a more vibrant, inclusive financial sector. The Central Bank (BOJ) has issued Guidelines for Electronic Retail Payments Services which now opens the door for the establishment of a national mobile payments ecosystem. The DBJ is in the process of implementing a Mobile Money for Microfinance (M 3) Pilot Project in collaboration with a local technology partner, and NCB. The potential for GOJ to consider the disbursement of Government-to-person (G 2 P) micro-payments such as PATH benefits through the mobile phone promises significant benefits in terms of reduced labour intensity and cost of delivery for the Government agency as well as amplifying the developmental benefits associated with the PATH program by facilitating access for beneficiaries to a wider scope of financial services Implementation Timeframe: • BOJ Issues Guidelines for Electronic Retail Payments Services (mobile money) – February 2013 • DBJ/NCB launch Jamaica's first mobile money project to disburse DBJ funds through micro-finance lenders using SMS text messaging technology and automated banking machines (ABMs) – February 2013
Open Data Initiatives Background Open Government data is a recent initiative where Government Agencies make data that is nonrestricted by privacy concerns, freely available for used by the public. Open data has emerged as one of the most significant policy and technological trends within the last 5 years, both globally and in many national contexts. Over 55 countries across the world have formally signalled their commitment to the global Open Government Partnership. Open Data initiatives in countries such as the US, UK and Kenya have demonstrated considerable potential to be a catalyst for innovation and job creation, by fuelling what is called the “Apps Economy”, where software developers create value for both public and private sectors by creating applications on top of the Open Data. In the US alone, the Apps Economy has been estimated to have created 450, 000 jobs since 2007. The European Union (EU) estimates the direct impact of Open Data on the EU 27 economy at € 32 Billion in 2010, with an estimated annual growth rate of 7%. In Jamaica, Open Data Pilot initiatives are being led by the UWI – MSBM and Pilot projects are being developed in both the Agriculture and Tourism sectors. Implementation Timeframe: • Open Data Pilot project with RADA in the Ministry of Agriculture: July – December 2013 • Implementation of an Open Government Data Portal – December 2013
Start Up Jamaica Concept: Start-Up Jamaica is envisioned as a public-private-partnership for economic growth and development, with the stated objectives: • To help Jamaican innovators and entrepreneurs to grow from idea to product to market thus increasing employment and increasing access to foreign exchange. • To move Jamaicans from technology consumers to technology creators. • To position Jamaica as the hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in the Caribbean. “GET UP, START UP” APPROACH • To attract and support local early stage entrepreneurs and innovators who are utilising ICTs to create their businesses, as their business or to solve a social problem. • Partner with the local universities and the business community to provide coaching and mentoring of entrepreneurs in both technical expertise and business and financial planning. • The intent is to get Tech entrepreneurs prepared to successfully pitch their ideas and/or developments to potential investors. • It is expected that entrepreneurs would network and participate in professional development activities within communities. • Provision of the physical space, which would be managed by a private sector operator, renovated (as necessary) and branded by one or more private sector company. Implementation Timeframe: First quarter of 2014
Conclusion • Vision, Mission, Roadmap, Deliverables and Timeframes • Presentation focused on implementation where we have traditionally had deficits • Increasing accountability by empowering citizens with information about what MSTEM is doing • Inviting stakeholders, particularly those in the ICT industry to comment and give critical feedback on the presentation
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