Through the establishment of secure infrastructure, national IT training and capacity building, the launch of the Official eGovernment Services Portal, in addition to standards frameworks, policies, and increased awareness, Oman has placed in the 50th position in the Global IT Report 2009-2010 among 133 countries, released 25 March 2010, by the World Economic Forum.
Published for the ninth consecutive year with an extensive coverage of 133 countries worldwide, with over 100 indicators and detailed profiles for each of the countries featured, the Global IT Report remains the world's most comprehensive and authoritative international assessment of the impact of ICT on the development process and the competitiveness of nations.
The Networked Readiness Index (NRI), featured in the report, examines how prepared countries are to use ICT effectively across three component sub-indexes: the general business, regulatory, and infrastructure environment; the readiness of the three key stakeholder groups in a society: individuals, businesses, and governments to use and benefit ICT; and the actual usage of the latest ICTs available.
Oman's NRI ranking at 50th position, unchanged compared to last year's ranking, is due to a number of factors. A key factor can be attributed to the United Nations having improved their rating criteria, thereby making increases in NRI rankings more of a challenge. But more importantly, Oman has vastly improved its overall Government Readiness Index to the 19th rank, up 20 points from last year. This is due to the Omani government's prioritization of ICT, in addition to Oman's efforts in procuring advanced technology products for its IT systems.
The position of Oman with regard to Government Usage has risen to the 44th position, compared to being in 45th the previous year. This is based on the government's success in promoting ICT, the availability of government services online, the presence of and efficient use of ICT in government, and e-participation. It is worth noting that this year Oman has accelerated 15 points in terms of the government's success in ICT promotion, and 11 points with respect to the presence of ICT in government agencies. Both of these increases have contributed to Oman's advance to 44th position in Government Usage.
The NRI is a unique tool for policy maker and all relevant stakeholders, allowing them to follow the progress of countries over time based on standard metrics, evaluated by a neutral and authoritative platform with the aim to enhance networked readiness and competitiveness. Oman's significant ranking places it highly in terms of government readiness and usage. The placement of Oman in terms of the importance given to ICT in the government's vision for future is ranked as increased to 21 points among the 133 countries considered.
In the realization of His Majesty's vision to augment public sector eServices, associated infrastructure is expected to grow, eventually improving this ranking further in the coming years.
ITA is a Public Authority created by Royal Degree 52/2006. ITA endeavours to consolidate and implement the Digital Oman strategy to transform the Sultanate of Oman into a knowledge-based economy for the achievement of social and economic benefits to Omani society. ITA's vision is 'Transforming Oman, Empowering You'.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Husam Odiabat
Quelle/Source: AME Info, 30.03.2010
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