Building the Knowledge Society - Department of Communications ...

Building the Knowledge Society Information Society Commission 1117 It should be a requirement amongst all Government agencies involved in the support ofenterprise start-ups and enterprise development that ICT training be included as an integralpart of such support.18 Government needs to consider the introduction of specific measures to promote greatersocietal engagement with Internet technologies as a key element of overall strategiesdesigned to bring about greater engagement with these technologies in the enterprise sector.19 Where it is appropriate to the workplace, support and assistance should be provided throughthe National Training Fund for the development of an ICT training plan to include basiccomputer skills and for the encouragement of companies to undertake training by alternatemeans such as distance and online learning.eProcurement20 The potential of the existing portal providing online information about public sectorprocurement opportunities should be developed quickly to support online catalogues, onlinetender management, and electronic ordering and payment. The process should begin withthe establishment of a national level pilot project, which should be progressed as a matterof priority.21 Government must explore the potential of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and similararrangements in driving forward its e-procurement strategy, building on innovative examplesof good practice available from experiences in other countries.eGovernmentService Delivery22 The pace of progress in establishing the Public Service Broker is cause for concern and needsto be accelerated significantly.23 Government must ensure that common standards and specifications are put in place asquickly as possible that will enable the service delivery strategies of individual Departmentsand agencies to be aligned with the overarching objective of integrating service deliverythrough the Public Services Broker.eGovernance24 The potential of e-government developments to support a transformation in traditionalbusiness processes has important implications that must be addressed as a key elementof the overall process of public sector modernisation and reform.25 There is a need for the establishment of a clear governance structure to support thedevelopment of e-government in the context of the wider modernisation process.