6 0 S O U T H E R N A F R I C A N D E V E L O P M E N T C O M M U N I T Y ii) Development of skills at individual and institutional 4.5.5 levels to increase ICT use and capitalise on innovative TARGETS ICT applications; Target 1: Policies and strategies for regional iii) Strengthening of governments' capacity to develop cooperation in S&T including technology transfer effective policy and regulatory frameworks to create and diffusion by 2005 conducive environments to ensure market develop- Target 2: Institutional and legal framework for ment and public participation in the information and cooperation in S&T by 2006 knowledge-based society. Target 3: Harmonisation of Intellectual property iv) Building a self-sustaining process with the posi- rights legislations in all member countries by 2010 tioning of the community as an effective participant in Target 4: SADC programmes on regional research the information and knowledge-based society - i.e. and technology development by 2006 transition from e-readiness to e-participation. Target 5: Network of centres of excellence in S&T operational by 2006 Target 6: SADC programme to promote public understanding of science and technology by 2008 Target 7: 4.6.2 Areas of Focus • ment, as well as legal and regulatory frameworks to National expenditures in research and technology development to reach at least 1% of GDP Creating the requisite harmonized policy environpromote ICT diffusion and use; • by 2015. Human resources development and institutional capacity building for rapid and effective ICT diffusion and use; and 4.6 • INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS Promoting ICT applications across all sectors and improving universal access to ICT tools in order to TECHNOLOGY improve efficiency and productivity. 4.6.1 Strategies Introduction Policy and Regulatory Framework SADC Member States recognise the importance of ICT in • meeting the challenges posed by globalisation, facilitating the regional integration agenda, and enhancing the socio- Assist Member States in the formulation of National ICT policies based on SADC guidelines; • Promote the active participation in international ICT economic development prospects of the Region. It is in this fora to learn from other experiences, and consolidate context that SADC Member States have agreed on the need a SADC position in this regard; to develop an all inclusive, balanced, and socially equitable • Establish a SADC database on e-readiness and information and knowledge-based society that is founded undertake e-participation assessments for effective on co-ordinated national strategies to effectively integrate strategy formulation and knowledge exchange ICT into regional development policies. • Build ICT literacy and awareness including commitment to the development of conducive policy environ- Overall goal ments and legal and regulatory frameworks for the The overall goal of the ICT intervention is to shift gear in knowledge-based economy. order to move beyond the current emphasis on backbone infrastructure development towards addressing structural Human Resource Development & Institutional bottlenecks such as: Capacity Building i) • Reinforcement of citizens' connectivity and ability to Creation of knowledge society focal points and effectively use ICT, and be involved in ICT planning research/training networks - networks of excellence - and national development; which will provide expertise, lead in the development