ICT industry has a long way to go

We are proud to have held The Daily Star ICT Awards to recognise innovators in the IT industry. By awarding these high achievers, we expect others in the sector to follow their level of excellence. In the seventh edition of the Awards, four companies and two individuals were recognised for their outstanding performance.

Late Luna Shamsuddoha was posthumously awarded for her company's role in creating Bangladesh's digital public procurement platform and several e-governance projects. Moynul Haque Siddiqui was awarded, among other things, for his company's role in developing a nationwide telecommunication transmission network catering to the needs of telcos, cable television and internet service providers. Other awardees included: an online travel aggregator providing essential travel services; a company offering high-end IT solutions such as outsourcing and remote development; another outsourcing company providing customer interaction services, back-office services, skill development training and IT solutions; and a digital agriculture platform providing a one-stop solution for smallholder farmers.

The fundamental notion behind such recognition is that this industry provides the technological support system for all other industries and sectors. It is not just the future of our country – it is also essential for the overall betterment of society.

While there is adequate political will to take this sector forward, there's many a slip between the cup and the lip. The initial target of USD 5 billion in exports from the IT sector by 2025 seems quite farfetched when pitted against the reality of USD 1.5 billion in exports. The target of USD 20 billion by 2030 looks even more of a pipe dream. The lack of proper implementation of policy seems to be the biggest stumbling block in realising these goals.

Setting goals without rigorous follow-ups will not achieve the targets. There are still many gaps to be filled – financial incentives for innovators, a proper legal framework, infrastructural capacity, training to develop IT skills needed for the industry, etc.

We, therefore, think the government should chalk out a comprehensive plan that will address the needs of the industry, identify the reasons why we have failed to inject the vigour needed for development of the sector as well as pinpoint effective measures required to untangle the bureaucratic hindrances that are holding us back. Digitisation of all government bodies and departments has to be prioritised and accelerated.

So far, the government has brought us quite a long way but the dramatic turn we need to bring our IT sector to a global level has not yet arrived. To that end, the government has to acknowledge that mere political will without sufficient effective action will be futile. There are many innovators waiting for opportunities to apply their visions to reality. We all must work together to create an environment that will be conducive to further IT development and designing more successful IT business models.