Connecting the world and beyond

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Name :	CALZADILLA SARMIENTO, Bernardo
Date :	December 20, 2019
Organization :	United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Country :	Austria
Job Title :	Director of the Department of Trade, Investment and Innovation
Contribution :	SUMMARY UNIDO considers as one of the most promising feature of emerging telecommunications/ICTs, their ability to offer all stakeholders a platform to traverse different boundaries and gain access to new opportunities that were not previously possible. The convergence and growing integration of digital technologies is promoting a paradigm shift with enormous economic, social and environmental impacts to the economy at large. These technologies are changing the traditional industry models by constantly increasing the attention to the needs of consumers or users, thus promoting the transformation of traditional manufacturing to customized production. International organizations should play a more participatory role for leveraging from the wide range of digital technologies. UNIDO, for example, has made important strategic alliances to develop joint initiatives related to supporting countries digitalization efforts. Several challenges arise on the adoption of these new and emerging technologies; for most countries: data, safety and security, regulatory framework and policies in place, including quality and ICT infrastructures; while for developing countries: the demographic changes, the polarization of the work force and changes in FDI; are significant too. However, there will be also unprecedented opportunities for developing countries, as they could lower the entry barriers to leapfrog into high value-added areas by fostering capacity building, technical cooperation, appropriate regulatory and policy guidance, and partnerships. Governments should support the transition to the digital economy by developing effective national policies that play a vital role in value creation and capture in the digital era. They should explore the creation of incentives to attract relevant stakeholders in the establishment of infrastructure that provides access to these technologies. They can also increase the efficiency of their administrative procedures/services offered - thereby transition to an e-government ecosystem. In addition, re-education to enhance the capabilities required for the application of new technologies, and establishment of innovation ecosystems at the national and regional levels are effective ways for governments to maximize the advantages of emerging telecommunications/ICT technologies as well. Combined with ICTs, SMEs can become operational tools for improving the economic globalization process and foster sustainable development. Some UNIDO successful experiences and best practices for promoting human skills, institutional capacity, innovation and investment are described.
Attachments :	UNIDO response to open consultation ITU CWG-internet_Final.pdf