Internet use for business development - an introductory set of training modules for policymakers

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The role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in national competitiveness and development, as well as in generating jobs and revenues for countless citizens, is well documented. Their meaningful and useful access to Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), particularly the Internet, will significantly enhance this critical role and will drive demand for and innovation in the ICT sector even more.

This set of training modules was therefore developed to serve as a policymaking reference on Internet Use for Business Development, principally for middle- to senior-level Internet policy makers and implementers of public policy issues of Internet governance. More particularly, it is intended as an introductory guide to the various issues and legislative/policy options that developing countries should consider as they put into place the policies and rules that will encourage SMEs to take advantage of the Internet to create business opportunities.

Pilot-tested before senior science and ICT ministers from the Asia-Pacific region at the offices of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok in November 2006, this set of training modules underwent further refinement and was finalized based on lessons learned from further pilot national workshops in four developing countries: Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mongolia and Nepal.

To be sure, this document does not provide all the answers. It does, however, provide many of the critical questions that need to be considered. In this sense this document can provide a useful starting point for policy and decision makers as they grapple with sometimes difficult choices to ensure the continued growth of and access to ICT in their respective countries.

Each country, therefore, can choose to use and adapt the various sections of this training material as they best see fit, given their respective socio-economic and political contexts. It is hoped that they can then share their successes, criticisms, findings and suggestions so that this document can continuously be improved and remain relevant in the fast-changing future.

Table of contents

Preface

Module 1 :Introduction to Internet Use for Business Development - [Print version (PDF 271 Kb) ]

I. Introduction
II. A brief history of why we are where we are
III. Overview: ICT for SMEs
IV. A final point: the need for systematic and continuously updated data
Summary: module 1 in a nutshell

Module 2: Legislative and Policy options to Promote e-Commerce and Expand Internet Use - [Print version (PDF 505 Kb) ]

I. Why should SMEs engage in e-commerce?
II. What can the government do to encourage SMEs to engage in e-commerce?
III. E-commerce legislation
Summary: module 2 in a nutshell

Module 3: Cyber Crime and Security - [Print version (PDF 365 Kb) ]

I. Incidents/attacks – trends and internet growth
II. Incidents/attacks – their sources and types
III. Legislative and policy considerations in efforts to address cyber crime and security issues
Annex: Tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of a cyber crime
Summary: module 3 in a nutshell

Module 4: Other key issues to be addressed in creating an enabling legal and regulatory framework to encourage internet use for business development - [Print version (PDF 265 Kb) ]

I. Promoting competition
II. Bridging the digital divide
III. Protecting the consumer
IV. Promoting public-private partnerships
V. Earning global confidence
Summary: module 4 in a nutshell

Bibliography - [Print version (PDF 112 Kb) ]

List of abbreviations

Print version of the complete document (PDF 870 Kb)