Auteurs : Wintjes, René - Dunnewijk, Theo - Hollanders, Hugo
Publicatiedatum : juni 2002

The question that we have raised in this report is as follows: Is a Flemish ICT-Monitor feasible? On the basis of this preliminary study we can reply in the affirmative: yes it is. This answer may seem clear and simple, but it is not. After all, it is impossible to design a monitor as a panacea for all infor-mation problems in the area of ICT, so choices have to be made. In this respect, there are three possible directions for such a choice:

• Linking up with international benchmark studies of the OECD and the EU
• Setting up a Flemish ICT-Monitor along the main lines of e-Fl@nders, possibly in relation to international benchmark studies; and third
• Generating a need for scenario-based data

In spite of the structure offered by e-Fl@nders and the conceptual framework developed in this report, the uncertainties inherent in ICT development will continue to exist, regardless of the choices that will be made regarding an ICT-Monitor. It would seem wise therefore to think in terms of alternatives - to have several irons in the fire - and, in addition to fixed monitor components, to keep an eye out for possible extensions and changes, inspired by international initiatives or envisioned thresholds existing in Flanders. Thus, a no-regret policy seems to work with a fixed framework and to keep an open eye to co-operation in international networks for possible changes in the set-up of an ICT-Monitor.

Linking up with international studies

In its simplest form, an ICT-Monitor might consist according to these lines in a Flanders focus on OECD and EU publications. Although this would not provide a comprehensive picture, it is certainly worth the effort. In itself, this is quite a challenge, because splitting up the Belgian data and maintaining the contacts needed to ensure inclusion of Belgium in such statistical over-views will be far from easy. Once Belgium is included, the separation of Flanders is not likely to pose further problems, and sometimes such a split-up is even at the basis of the figures. However, a drawback of a similar ICT-Monitor lies in the difficulty of giving it its individual direction. This view of an ICT-Monitor should be accompanied by a strategy focused on giving Belgium a more prominent position in the intended studies, more so than is currently the case. The advantage of such a monitor is in its simplicity and its natural embedding in the international discussions about ICT and Internet use. The disadvantage, however, is that it ignores the existing data and sources for Flanders and it has a limited possibility to devote special attention to developments and issues having a specific relevance to Flanders. It will be less easy, for instance, to use the monitor in relation to strategic policy choices, such as the prepa-ration or evaluation of policy more specific than the general lines of ‘eEurope’.

International benchmark

The example of an international benchmark for Flanders, Belgium, EU+, the Netherlands, Finland and France shows that Flanders ranks very high on seven items of the main lines and much worse than the EU+ average on four other items. This monitor – which is more in line with the views formulated in the e-Fl@nders Digital Action Plan – can be further extended using various key variables. The question is, however, when this extension is desirable and in which direction it should take place. It would seem wise – as soon as the thres-holds mentioned in the conceptual frame-work manifest themselves – to extend the ICT-Monitor into a direction that provides a better view of the thresholds referred to. The use of ICT by firms could be a possible direction of extension for this ICT-Monitor.

e-Fl@nders: Order in uncertainty

Together with the conceptual framework developed in this report, the main lines of e-Fl@nders offer a useful framework for an ICT-Monitor. Measuring without knowledge makes little sense. This framework can provide an overview of and insight into the change process needed for the New Economy. International initiatives, too, keep introducing new subjects that might be important for the preparation of policy. Regardless of the ICT-Monitor to be developed, this will not lead to a high degree of certainty about the relevant developments. These will continue to be highly uncertain, as the investments in the mobiele Internet of the large telecommunication companies have recently demonstrated in so harrowing a way. The idea of using, from various policy areas, the formulated ICT scenarios as a source of inspiration for the choice of the monitor, certainly seems to be feasible and worth the effort.

Conclusions and recommendations

1| Network where possible

There exist large numbers of international publications and initiatives, for example in the context of the IST programme of the European Commission. Yet Belgium and Flanders have a low profile in these publications. Linking up with international initia-tives is useful for the overview and for stressing the distinctive features of Flanders. It would also be highly desirable to involve people personally committed on behalf of Belgium to international initiatives in the Flanders ICT-Monitor.

2| Continuous improvement by doing

Due to the speed with which the developments continue to take place, monitoring is not an activity that must be done once in a while. It makes little sense, for example, to look at a the state of affairs once every four years according to a traditional policy cycle and subsequently draw up a strict four-year policy plan which cannot be adjusted in the intervening time. This might be an option for the larger, abstract lines, for instance the main lines, but certainly not within them. It is desirable therefore that all aspects of the monitor are continuously improved and refined. Thus, the indicator book serves as a broad basis of indicators that can be used depending on the desired applications. However, it is not to be viewed as the set of indicators that will do for the next coming years. In particular, the further development of 'usage' and 'impact' indicators deserves special attention in the near future.

3| Standardisation

Standardisation is also a type of scale economy. In terms of the definitions in which it is used, it is therefore strongly recommen-ded. The Flemish government will have a steering role in this respect. One possibility is to translate the policy intentions into concrete target figures with the associated definitions, for example those of SMEs, broadband, seniors and lifelong learning.

4| Particularise the Belgian data

A large part of the Belgium-related data published by the OECD and Eurostat originate from Belgium. Particularising them for Flanders is often possible without involving many costs. Hence, it is advisable to contact the bodies concerned about the possibilities. This is probably the most efficient solution for the data shortage of the more traditional and well-known indicators. The Flemish initiatives must prevent duplication and should particularly focus on aspects viewed as being specifically relevant to Flanders or to the specific Flemish policy. If Flanders wants to be a frontrunner in the area of ‘broadband’, for example, it should also be a leader in terms of the monitoring of broad-band (and possible alternatives).

5| Set priorities

When extending an operational monitor, priorities must first be based on a conceptual framework, such as the one developed in this preliminary study. Second, the in-depth monitor must be based on the thresholds that have emerged.

6| Test and improve the conceptual framework

Check to see whether the conceptual framework developed in this report is supported by a broad circle and which points require adjustment.

7| Keep the ICT-Monitor lively and alive by publishing about it regularly or integrating it into existing periodic publications (the regular statistics)

8| Learn from frontrunners in the areas of ICT and ICT-Monitoring, especially those in the USA and Scandinavian countries.

9| Measuring without knowledge makes little sense

Using this framework, it is possible to acquire an overview of as well as insight into the change process needed for the New Economy. International initiatives, too, keep introducing new subjects that may be important for the preparation of policy.

10| Search for decentralised leaders for certain parts of the monitor,

for example for developing scenarios, elaborating, using and maintaining information about SMEs, education, e-Government, etc. Such partners could be given part of the responsibility, for example for each of the main lines, but possibly also for certain applications, such as scenario development, international benchmarking, or policy preparation or evaluation.

11| Central co-ordination

Appoint one central coordinating partner organisation. Decentralised networking can extend the ‘input’ and ‘output’ of the monitor. However, one central point or network administrator should remain responsible for the integral character, preferably being the same person as the webmaster of the internet site.

12| Steering on the basis of concrete questions

Keeping the monitor lively and alive could be promoted by subjecting the monitor to a number of very concrete ‘questions’. As an example, the think tank of e-Fl@nders might formulate a few questions and then check to see to what extent the monitor can answer these. From other organisations, too, such concrete wishes should be invited and tested.