Barriers to Innovation – The five mega-barriers

Barrier 1 (Economic): Governmental interference in the regulation of the telecom sector stifling competition
Description
There is the need to create a fair and competitive regulatory terrain to enhance pro-competitive investment in the telecom sector in pursuance of e-gov agenda. The National Communications Authority (NCA,) the Regulator, faces interference from governmental sector in the management of spectrum and issuance of value-added licences thus thwarting its effort to independently regulate the sector and attract potential investors.
Why it is a barrier
Telecom reform, the world over is promoting the participation of the private sector in investments in a liberalised and transparent environment. The lack of regulatory openness frustrates investment in value added services sector to enhance e-gov application.
Why it is critical
Investors in the telecom sector are suspicious of governmental interference which might lead to investment expropriation and depreciation. There is therefore the need to create a balanced environment of comfort and safety to avoid the fear of the country losing out as an ICT hub for the sub-region.
Underlying tensions
Competitors in the field of ICT want maximum protection for their investments and do not want to be discriminated against in their effort to gain substantial market share. Government does also want a say.
Proposed solutions
Seek amendment to existing Act to make the Regulator autonomous; additionally to organise a workshop for stakeholders to distinguish between policy making for government and implementation process so the Regulator can be empowered to operate independently.
Risks and Rewards of solution
The anticipated risk is that the government may consider the move as an infringement on its moderating powers.
The reward is that there would be the likelihood of private sector investment growth in the absence of fear of investment expropriation.

Barrier 2 (Technological) : Inability of the civil service to attract ICT professionals
Description
The lack of skilled ICT personnel in the civil service thwarts efforts at implementing ICT policies and strategies. The negative impact is the inability of government to deploy ICT in house to promote e-gov.
Why it is a barrier
Attempts at closing the digital divide calls for pro-active application of ICT in governance to enhance efficiency in service delivery. In this regard the ICT “supply side” involvement in the process is crucial.
Why it is critical
Government is the major investor in ICT in developing economies. It appears tragic that ICT tools are underutilised because of lack of skilled professionals and services delivery remain slow because manually done.
Underlying tensions
Attempts are made to outsource all ICT initiatives. The external professionals and the internal staff lack cohesion and unity of purpose. Computers sit on desks as toys and networks don’t talk to each other.
Proposed solutions
Propose the development of a scheme of service to indicate clear job content, career path, promotional avenues, and attractive remuneration package to help attract and create a professional class for ICT in the civil service. Retrain the “demand side” staff.
Make the acquisition of basic ICT skills a condition precedent to entry into the service. A long term strategy and change management.
Risks and Rewards of solution
Risk- Resistance to change management from within is likely to be encountered.
The benefits to the service will be enormous as ICT professionals in the class of CIOs can gain entry into the service and meaningfully support the e-gov implementation process.
Barrier 3(Demographic): Rampant issuance of fake passport (Corruption)
Description
There is a high tendency of fake passport issuance (identity theft) in African countries making the genuine traveller undergo unnecessary scrutiny on identity check at international airports. Meanwhile other identification projects are on going on separate platforms.
Why it’s a barrier
It erodes investor confidence in the economy as a security issue.
Why it is critical
Identification and verification of persons are security issues crucial to be addressed for the successful deployment of e-gov yet no cohesive attempt made to address this issue of secured identity of the populace.
Underlying tensions
Low classification of state at national and international security levels.
Proposed solutions
Promulgation of data protection bill to give legal backing.
Introduction of 3G biometrics and identification technology.
Risks and Rewards of solution
Budgetary constraints to the state a potential risk to proposal.
The reward is a secured integrated national identity scheme to enhance security and investment confidence of the country.

Barrier 4 : Political - There is no strong federal Strategy for the development of eGovernance
Description
There is no strong eGovernance Strategy like in Japan. There are only initiatives, as for example the portal or recommendations for standards. Where is a global vision?
Why it is a barrier
A global strategy, framework and budgets are mandatory.
Why is it critical
Very critical. The initiative for launching a comprehensive eGovernance programme has to come from the Federal Government. Regions and cities are still waiting.
Underlying tensions
Political compromises resulting in the lost of the importance of this Strategy
Proposed solutions
Regions and cities have to exert more pressure on Federal Government.
Risks and Rewards of solution
The risk is to obtain an inadequate or inapplicable Strategy.
The reward is that eGovernance can take off.
Barrier 5 : Structural – Top head Information System is not homogenous and interoperable !
Description
Federal Departments ICTs (Finance, Army etc.,) are technically isolated, like Silos. The more advanced federal office is the OFS (Federal Office of Statistics).
Why it is a barrier
Historically lack of collaboration and co-ordination.
Why is it critical
This situation compromises automation of transversal processes inside the federal Information System. Furthermore, this non-homogeneity compromises also the technical standardization of the electronic exchanges of the other stakeholders, private companies, local and regional governments. They need a unique federal entry point.
Underlying tensions
Internal protectionism of the federal departments.
Proposed solutions
Introduction of standards and wide usage of web services inside federal departments and other public and private partners.
Risks and Rewards of solution
Risk is to wait a very long time!
Modernization of the eGovernance of the federal Government itself.