broadband strategies handbook.pdf - Khazar University

In addition, sophisticated services, enabled by broadband and the developmentof ICTs, have become not just an input for trade in goods, but a finalexport for direct consumption (Mishra, Lundstrom, and Anand 2011, 2).Call centers in Kenya, business-consulting and knowledge-processingoffices in Singapore, accountancy services in Sri Lanka, and humanresources–processing firms in Abu Dhabi are different forms of this phenomenon.Recent research has found that sophisticated service exports arebecoming an economic driver of growing importance in developing countriesand may be an additional channel for sustained high growth. Thedeployment and adoption of broadband also have the potential to provide anadditional conduit for economic growth through service exports.Manufacturing and Industrial Sectors: Improving Supply ChainManagementBroadband allows businesses to manage their supply chains more efficientlyby automatically transferring and managing purchase orders, invoices,financial transactions, and other activities. As with any information-basedbusiness activity, broadband can enable faster, more secure, and more reliableprocessing than was previously possible. Broadband connectivity savesprocessing and transfer time along the supply chain and substantiallyincreases competitiveness by helping businesses to reduce stock levels,optimize the flow of goods, and improve the quality of final products. Sincemanufacturing and industrial sectors have been the main driver of overalleconomic growth in developing countries for the last 15 years, broadband isexpected to play a vital role in helping developing countries to improve productivityin these sectors and companies to compete effectively in a globalmarket. 8Education: Building Human CapitalIn order to realize broadband’s full potential for economic growth, an educatedworkforce trained in the use of ICTs is necessary. Additionally, thereis a self-reinforcing effect between education and broadband, since broadbandcan help to improve fundamental educational outcomes, includinglearning how to use broadband better. For example, a review of 17 impactstudies and surveys carried out at the national, European, and internationallevels by the European Commission found that the services and applicationsavailable over broadband networks improve basic educational performance(Balanskat, Blamire, and Kefala 2006, 3). These studies found thatbroadband and ICTs positively affect learning outcomes in math, science,and language skills. In addition to facilitating basic skills, broadbandimproves the opportunities for individuals with ICT training, and suchBuilding Broadband 15