Bhutan

The objective of Bhutan ICT HRD Master Plan and Strategies (BIHMPS) is to enable Bhutan to become a knowledge-based information society. The master plan, intended to be relevant for a period of five years, has been developed using a consultative approach with stakeholders taking into account the specific context and needs of the country. This master plan document is divided into five chapters. Chapter 1 presents a brief background on Bhutan. Chapter 2 focuses on the key developments and initiatives in the field of ICT in Bhutan.

This study charts the progress and development of the media in Bhutan and identify key issues that need attention. This study focuses on the impact of traditional mass media - primarily print, broadcast, and film/music - as well as the new multi-media – Internet. It proposes a number of recommendations drawn from an analysis of Bhutan’s experience with the media. The recommendations are also placed in a global perspective, the experiences of other countries that are very relevant to Bhutan as it joins the information society.

This document examines strategies for integrating information and communications technology (ICT) in the Renewable Natural Resources sector. Based on the analysis of appropriate documents, key informant interviews and a SWOT analysis of the ICT capabilities of the RNR Sector, several options and strategic directions were identified. The first part of the document gives the strategic framework, and the second part, the sectoral ICT Masterplan.

Three overall policy objectives underpin the BIPS Report: (1) to use ICT for Good Governance; (2) to create a Bhutanese Info-culture; and (3) to create a “High-Tech Habitat”. Based on these objectives, strategies are focused on five areas: policy; infrastructure; human capacity; content and applications; and enterprise. The report also identifies a number of risks to successful implementation of the BIPS strategies and activities. The process of developing BIPS involved multi-stakeholders and was open and participatory.

The ICT White Paper states the Royal Government of Bhutan's ICT vision, strategic components and future directionfor guiding Bhutan's ICT sector. The Bhutan Information and Communications Technology Policy and Strategies (BIPS) is based on this ICT White Paper.

This compilation of case studies explores some of the sound practices in the Asia-Pacific region in applications of information, communication and space technology for effective and efficient disaster risk reduction and management.

The main objective of the Survey is to create a consolidated source of information on the experiences of using ICTs for Education in the South Asian region, as a baseline for future work, and to provide a framework of reference for policy-makers.

These Technical Guidelines on ICT sets out the necessary framework for mainstreaming ICT as a tool in sectoral development programmes, both at the central and local levels. Addressing the needs of the poor, and fostering pro-poor innovation and growth through the effective and innovative use of ICT, remains the core priority of the Royal Government. The Guidelines include key considerations for the tenth five-year plan, challenges in mainstreaming ICT and the concept of mainstreaming.

Through this policy guildeine on information sharing, Bhutan aims to create a culture of open and free sharing of information. The guideline looks at information sharing between and among public agencies; between public agencies and citizens; and among citizens. It looks at the types of information to be shared and provides an information sharing mechanism.