broadband strategies handbook.pdf - Khazar University

As broadband’s potential as a GPT is realized, it will become an enablerof technology-based innovation and growth throughout the economy bybusinesses and individuals as well as by academic, government, and otherinstitutions. Businesses and individuals are able to use currently availablebroadband technologies and services to create entirely new applicationsand services in areas such as advertising, e-commerce, online video, socialnetworking, and financial services, including online banking and loans(Katz 2010, 9). Innovation in these areas is important for the growth of newmarkets in developed economies and for the transfer of technology toemerging economies, which can benefit from e-services, particularly mobilehealth and mobile banking services. Broadband-enabled services also allowthe public sector to access new communities and regions as well as to deliverhigher-quality services more efficiently and at lower costs, including inonline education, telemedicine, and civic participation. The following discussionprovides specific examples of how broadband can enable growth inand beyond the ICT sector in both developed and developing countries.Research and Development: Enabling Product Developmentand Innovations in Any SectorBroadband can have a particularly strong impact on research and development(R&D), leading to innovative technologies as well as enabling newICTs to lead to further innovations (box 1.2). Additionally, broadband mayBox 1.2: Examples of Broadband’s Potential Impactson Innovation in R&D and Business Operations• Enable instant sharing of knowledge and ideas• Lower the barriers to product and process innovation via faster and lessexpensive communications• Accelerate start-ups• Improve business collaboration• Enable small businesses to expand their R&D capabilities and collaboratein larger R&D consortia• Reduce time from idea to final product• Foster greater networking• Promote user-led innovation.Source: OECD 2008.12 Broadband Strategies Handbook