Gotowa bibliografia na temat „Telecommunications industry”

With the entry of 3G and WiMAX players, the Indian mobile subscriber base is expected to reach 1110 million by the end of 2015. To meet mobile infrastructure demand, India will require approximately 350,000 to 400,000 mobile telecommunications towers in the next 7 to 8 years. Presently only 40% of mobile telecommunications towers are shared in India. The high growth of subscribers and initial cost of mobile telecommunications towers and license conditions will force mobile network operators to share infrastructure with other mobile network operators, specifically with new operators. The Indian government has allowed sharing of passive and active components of mobile telecommunication infrastructure. With the changing demand of the telecommunications infrastructure, many new telecommunications tower business entities and companies and mobile telecommunications tower business models are being explored. In this paper, the author presents the landscape of the mobile telecommunications tower industry in India, which consists of four types of companies and trends with respect to the strategies of telecommunication tower companies, especially tenancy ratio. Emerging features of the mobile telecommunication towers industry in India are also presented.

The article discusses the use of marketing tools in the telecommunications industry, analyzes the experience of their creation and implementation, as well as the role of marketing in this industry. It is simply impossible to imagine the current modern generation without telecommunication technologies. These technologies are so “ingrained” in our lives that it is simply unrealistic to imagine our existence without them. But some people do not even notice these important modern technologies, so companies are experiencing difficulties in relation to the position in the market. So let’s try in this article to understand what it is and why do we need telecommunications in the modern world? And is it worth promoting these telecommunications technologies through marketing communications? Are telecommunications currently being promoted through marketing tools?

This study examined marketing mix and subscribers’ satisfaction in the telecommunications industry. It assessed the relationship between marketing mix strategies (product variety, promotion, people and process) and subscribers’ satisfaction in the telecommunications industry. Cross sectional research design was adopted and primary data were obtained from 107 telecommunication subscribers using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics (frequency tables and simple percentages) and inferential statistics (Pearson’s product moment correlation) in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 23). The findings of the study revealed that product variety, promotion, people and process had significant positive relationships with subscribers’ satisfaction in the telecommunications industry. In line with these findings, we made practical implications for possible implementation by players in the telecommunications industry.

Subject. This article discusses the issues of development of telecommunication technologies in Russia in the context of sanctions. Objectives. The article aims to identify and assess the threats to the security of the telecommunications industry of the Russian economy associated with foreign economic restrictions, and propose possible measures to neutralize them. Methods. For the study, we used the systems approach. Results. The article systematizes the challenges to the largest Russian telecommunications companies and presents certain proposals of economic, financial and legal character to prevent possible damage to the industry. Conclusions. The Russian telecommunications infrastructure is a fundamental element that ensures the functioning and interaction of all sectors of the economy. It is necessary to take timely and sufficient measures of State support for the telecommunications industry.

This paper aims to investigate the economics of Nepalese telecom industry with special reference to Nepal Telecom. The study is undertaken with the objectives to analyze Nepal Telecom as the market leader, drive an aggressive pricing model and to explore reliable telecommunication service in Nepal and become the lowest cost provider. Telecommunication at present, is the transmission of information, voice or data per time and space through electronic device. Efficiency gains and cheaper phone calls are possible from telecommunications aggressive pricing and effective customer care. The telecommunications revolution has arrived to 21st century wireless communication with fiber to the home (FTTH), 4G and 5G. The overall telecommunication market is huge. Majority of market share is needed to become a market leader. Telecom management need to formulate effective plan to achieve the target within the period of five years. Fiber to the home (FTTH) service, which includes three in one as voice, internet and IPTV has been expanded within 62 districts. Nepal Telecom has been able to expand 4G network in all 77 districts of the country with the wide coverage of 654 local bodies and 85% of the total population. FTTH is an important project as it supports the fifth-generation mobile internet (5G) which is coming to Nepal in the near future.

The Australian telecommunications industry has been slow to call for or to adopt new practices and the National Broadband Network has exacerbated the problem of technology adoption lag. There are two key issues facing telecommunication consumers today. The cost of optical networking has significantly reduced over the past five years so there is no justification for the network congestion that occurs on Australian telecommunication networks. To remedy this situation the introduction of performance monitoring is fully supported. It is time for the telecommunications industry to adopt new broadband business models that are based on the provision of unlimited data and a maximum of 90 to 95 per cent utilisation on optical network links.

The purpose of the article is to present the results of research on the direction of changing the content and forms of economic activity of telecommunication enterprises in the process of introducing the newest technologies. The article also proposes a micro model of one of the possible options for increasing the effectiveness of the economic activity of an enterprise by organizing its effective interaction with all participants of the telecommunication market. The study was performed on the example of communication enterprises operating in the communication space of Ukraine. Since the current markets for communication services integrated with the cyberspace of the Internet are virtually global, it can be assumed that the results are typical for other communication spaces. Methodology. Theoretical and methodological basis of the research are monographs, scientific books, scientific articles of modern scientists in the field of telecommunications, the newest information and communication technologies, economic globalization, development of the Internet. The basic documents that form the basis for analysing the performance of telecommunications enterprises are statistical data of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine. Other available Internet publications have also been used. To ensure the validity of research results, the following methods were used: survey methods for clarifying concepts; economic-statistical and method of graphic representation in the study of directions of changes in economic activity of telecommunications enterprises in Ukraine; economic modelling, in particular, the heuristic anaxiomatization approach, in the development of micro models of cooperation of the communication enterprise with other market actors in the process of economic activity, and some others. Results. The conducted researches confirmed the assumption that there is a redistribution of incomes during the introduction of the newest technologies in the economic activity of telecommunication enterprises. The share of revenues from the provision of telecommunications services is declining, the share of revenues from the provision of Internet services is increasing. To increase the effectiveness of economic activities of telecommunications enterprises, a micro model of cooperation has been developed and justified by the enterprise of communication with other market players in the process of economic activity. Practical importance. The micro model of interaction reflects the actual structure of interaction between telecommunications enterprises and all participants in the global telecommunications market. Practical implementation of the model can contribute to increasing the efficiency of the economic activity of telecommunications enterprises in the context of the introduction of new technologies. The model can also be used by other researchers to study various aspects of economic activity in the real market where telecommunication companies operate. Value/ originality. The originality of the results lies in a detailed study of real trends of changes in the content of economic activity of telecommunication enterprises in the context of introducing new technologies, and in the development of a micro model for the interaction of the telecommunications enterprise with all other market players.

As a typical network industry, the inherent characteristic in technology and economy of telecommunication determine that its effective competition requires equal interconnection. This article analyzes the principle and network economy characteristics of telecommunication network interconnection, expecting provides the basis for promoting rapid and healthy development of the telecommunications industry.

La industria de las telecomunicaciones ha sido considerada durante mucho tiempo como un monopolio natural y regulado. Sin embargo, con el desarrollo de la tecnología y los cambios de perspectiva en las teorías económicas, poco queda de la caracterización como monopolio natural en este sector. La moderna industria de las telecomunicaciones presenta las notas de efecto de red, dinamismo, convergencia y mutabilidad. El mercado de las telecomunicaciones requiere tanto desregulación como liberalización para mejorar la eficiencia, la innovación y, por último, para incrementar la protección del consumidor. La experiencia desreguladora de los Estados Unidos y de la Unión Europea constituye un buen ejemplo para los países que están en proceso de abrir el mercado de telecomunicaciones, como sucede en China. Igualmente, la implementación de un Derecho de la competencia como el de la UE debería ser el modelo para la reforma de la industria de las telecomunicaciones en China. Por una parte, el Derecho de la competencia debe aplicarse para controlar los comportamientos anticoncurrenciales en el sector chino de las telecomunicaciones y debe crearse una agencia reguladora específica para el sector que garantice un acceso leal al mercado y una estructura equilibrada. Por otra parte, al resolver los conflictos entre la normativa de la competencia y la ordenación del sector, debe otorgarse preferencia a la primera sobre la segunda al inicio del proceso liberalizador.
Telecommunications industry had been seen as natural monopoly industry and regulated for a long time. However, with the development of technologies and the change of the view of economy theories, this industry remains little feature of natural monopoly. And modern telecommunications industry exhibits the characteristics of network effect, dynamic, convergence and sensitivities. Telecom market requires both deregulation and liberalization to improve the efficiency, innovation, and ultimately to enhance consumer welfare. The experience of deregulation in the United States and the European Union can be taken as a good example for the countries who are in the progress of opening the telecom market, such as China. Especially, the implementation of the EU competition law will provide the enlightenment for reform of telecommunications industry in China. On one hand, competition law should be applied to adjust the anti-competitive behaviors in Chinese telecom industry and independent sector-specific regulatory agency should be established to ensure fair market access and balanced market structure. On the other hand, in dealing with the conflicts between competition law and sector-specific regulation, at the beginning of liberalization, competition law should be taken precedence over the regulatory policy.

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, 1997.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 147-150).
Mary T. Andruszkiewicz and Edgardo Santibañez.
M.S.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, 2000.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 62-64).
The worldwide liberalization of the telecommunications industry has accelerated due to an explosion of technological innovation, growing consumer sophistication, and increasing competition. The process of privatizing state owned telecommunications corporations in Europe and other areas of the world is comparable to the deregulation of the telecommunications industry in the United States. This thesis explores the link between innovation and privatization in the telecommunications industry. In addition to providing an analysis of how innovation and privatization are connected in the telecommunications industry, the thesis also examines the structure, market trends, technology strategy, and globalization of the industry. Finally, it contrasts the management of innovation and deregulation of two incumbent telecommunications companies, Deutsche Telekom and Bell Atlantic.
by James L. Dyer.
M.B.A.

Supplier selection plays an important role in any organisation. This study investigates and examines supplier selection criteria and the impacts on buying firm performance; specifically focusing on the telecommunications industry in Malaysia. Previous studies in this area have focussed on the criteria such as quality, price, delivery, supplier relationship management and decision making tools and techniques. However, little research has been undertaken to include government policies and business ethics as elements in the supplier selection criteria. After a literature review and interviews, the development of conceptual frameworks and a number of hypotheses were put forward. To achieve an in-depth study, four major telecommunications service provider companies in Malaysia were chosen as a case study. A questionnaire was used as the main instrument in gathering data. The questionnaire is principally concerned with the understanding of supplier selection and its criteria; based upon the variables that are used for the model and hypothesis testing. The study also investigates the relationship between supplier selection and the impact of supplier selection to the company performance. This model was tested using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique with the AMOS software application. Results indicated all of the criteria include quality, price, delivery, supplier relationship management, decision making tools and techniques, government policy and business ethics as valid constructs. A good model fit was also established. The findings of this research conclude that the influencing criteria to supplier selection in the telecommunications industry in Malaysia are supplier delivery performance standards and supplier relationship management even when considering the remainder of the above mentioned elements.The price factors were found to be less important due to this factor possibly leading to unhealthy competition in the market in terms of price wars among the suppliers in order to win the business. Most of the criteria are also interrelated to each other and affect the supplier selection decision. This model has added new perspectives to the study of supplier selection in the supply chain management field. As for future research it is suggested that intangible elements such as political, cultural and social influences are included in the conceptual framework; as this would offer important insight for management bodies in organisation, academia and public policy fields alike.

It is argued that for organisations to truly achieve high and consistent levels of performance in their dealings with other firms they must move from contract based models predicated on the pursuit of cost efficiencies and the exploitation of bargaining power to more collaborative or partner based models. These new exchange relationships pursue greater organisational value through the development of cooperative working practices and the nurturing of trusted relationships. It is proposed that this type of approach to other firms can reduce transaction costs and increase productivity as well as improve innovation and learning which, it is further argued, is more important than contract and cost efficiencies in creating sustainable competitive advantage in a dynamic and uncertain environment. This study examines inter-firm relationships from a practitioner’s perspective. The goals of the study were to develop the author’s knowledge of collaborations to assist in his role as Account Director for a major Network Systems Integrator and to add to the academic research on inter-firm collaboration. This thesis documents the findings from the study. It examines the collaborative literature and introduces an integrated model of academic research and theoretical principles which collectively are proposed to predict successful collaborations. The thesis charts a case study of an inter-firm relationship in the UK telecommunications sector over 8 years, recording and analysing the main purchasing and collaborative episodes over that period and providing a unique insight into the dynamics of an inter-firm relationship in a highly competitive and highly uncertain industry. The thesis includes a significant examination of the literature on research methods and services science. The services science review was conducted through a collaborative lens, with the literature analysed in terms of its contribution to collaboration theory and practice. The findings from the study illustrate that the literature on alliances and collaborations is extremely fragmented with no universal theory to guide the practitioner. A pervasive theme from the literature was that firms in a highly competitive and uncertain environment are more likely to seek value through collaborations. The study examines the extent to which a collaborative approach is being pursued in the case of a firm in the UK telecommunications sector. The case investigates the veracity of the literature and highlights the practical challenges associated with creating value through collaborative initiatives. The findings indicate that inter-firm relationships are extremely complex economic, social and political arrangements requiring significant management effort and consequently attracting significant costs. The case charts the evolution of a relationship from a traditional customer-supplier exchange model to a more complex arrangement characterised by portfolio relationships and competitive collaborations underpinned by reciprocity. Creating collaborative value in this environment is subject to successfully navigating an array of organisational and cultural barriers significantly under represented in the literature with exchange behaviours relating to lack of leadership, moral hazard, opportunism, hold-up and competitive learning being at the core. In the case examined, these behaviours existed within a culture of institutionalised antipathy towards outside firms which ultimately led to the failure of their collaborative initiatives. The implications of this study are significant. The economies of the future are projected to be predominantly knowledge based and services led. Industrial and state competition is predicted to be founded on knowledge management and services innovation. The unit of management for this innovation is said to be the service system as opposed to the firm. Services systems are conceptualised as complex networks of firms, capabilities processes and technologies which are predicated on knowledge collaborations and effective service exchanges. The dominant industrial and academic approaches to explaining and directing management practice in these services collaborations assume an open and productive flow of knowledge across firm and state boundaries. The stated pre-requisite for a firm operating in this environment is that it possesses a collaborative capability, i.e. the ability to work effectively with other firms in a culture of openness and honesty. A capability and culture not found to be prevalent in this study. However, despite the challenges found in case study, the researcher’s closing argument is simple. When competitive performance depends on the firm’s relationships with other firms, managers need to pay attention to the following sets of actions: (1) Building a collaborative intent with the business (i.e. educating stakeholders on the value of collaboration in the context of their business goals and gaining senior management sponsorship and commitment to the process); (2) Developing a collaborative architecture (i.e. a structure (team or function) within the firm which has responsibility for activities at the boundary of the organisation and which is tasked with setting collaborative goals and strategies); (3) Identifying and crafting collaborative arrangements with other firms that support the firm’s strategy (i.e. firm selection, ensuring collaborative fit and developing value propositions in the context of the industry segment); (4) Managing collaborations (i.e. operationalising the relationship, setting joint goals, activities and measures, building relationships, and making joint decisions); and (5) building the appropriate levels of collaborative capital that energise the flow of resources and knowledge across the firm boundaries and create organisational and collaborative value. These activities are proposed to help build a collaborative capability. Although, the findings of this study indicate that the development of this capability and the management of a collaborative environment is a significant challenge and one that potentially requires significant commitment and change on the part of participating firms in order to have any real probability of success.

This thesis proposes an empirical analysis of performance in the telecommunications industry, in relation to the regulatory framework in place in the sector. We first provide an introduction and overview of the related literature on performance measurement and regulatory institutions. Chapters 1 and 2 focus on level measures of productivity components and, in particular, of technical change and efficiency. This analysis is motivated by the form of incentive regulation in force in the industry, which links future price increases allowed by the regulator to certain measures of the operators performance. Chapter 1 investigates embodied technical change in the U.S. industry relying on rm-level panel data It builds on the definition of capital as a sum of vintages of different qualities and incorporates this definition into a cost function. Estimates of embodied technical change in this sample vary depending on the specification, but do not appear large enough to affect productivity. Chapter 2 analyses the variation of efficiency over time in the same sample of U.S. operators. This is done by applying estimators that allow for (freely) time-varying efficiency to an input stochastic distance function. Estimates confirm that standard panel estimators, which are commonly used by regulators to assess relative efficiency, do not adequately capture the time-varying component of efficiency. Finally, Chapter 3 studies how cross-country differences in sector performance, measured in terms of access to mobile networks, can be explained by regulatory and country governance. In particular, using a system approach, it considers whether the impact of regulatory governance on penetration can be an indirect result of country institutions. In addition, feedback effects between access to infrastructure and income are incorporated in the analysis. The analysis is carried out on a panel of low and middle-income countries. The empirical results show that the establishment of a separate telecommunications regulator is associated to higher penetration levels, and that this is more important for low-income countries. The effect is partly related to the quality of wider country governance rather than sector specific institutions.

The Jordanian Government is currently considering the process of privatising the Telecommunications Corporation, since it is accused by the Government, of inefficiency and poor performance. This study presents the results of research into the question of what evidence there is to suggest that the Telecommunications Corporation is inefficient and not performing well in its present status as a public enterprise, and why privatisation should improve efficiency. The study also seeks to establish the best policy option available to policy makers in Jordan with regard to the Telecommunications Corporation in the light of worldwide trends of change in telecommunications policy. This study argues that privatisation should be assessed in terms of its origins, motives, stated objectives and its effect on economic efficiency. For performance evaluation, two main approaches are employed, in addition to many performance indicators and sub-indicators. A summary, concluding remarks and agenda for reforming public enterprises is also provided.

This rapid review synthesises evidence on the current size of the digital market, the countries promoting development of digital business and their approach through Trade Policies or Incentive Frameworks, and the current and potential size of the market with the UK / China / US / other significant countries. It draws on a variety of sources, including reports by international organisations (such as the World Bank and OECD), grey literature produced by think tanks and the private sector, and peer reviewed academic papers. A high proportion of estimates of the size of the digital economy come from research conducted by or for corporations and industry bodies, such as Google and the GSMA (which represents the telecommunications industry). Their research may be influenced by their business interests, the methodologies and data sources they utilise are often opaque, and the information required to critically assess findings is sometimes missing. Given this, the estimates presented in this review are best seen as ballpark figures rather than precise measurements. A limitation of this rapid evidence review stems from the lack of consistent methodologies for estimating the size of the digital economy. The OECD is attempting to develop a standard approach to measuring the digital economy across the national accounts of the G20, but this has not yet been finalised. This makes comparing the results of different studies very challenging. The problem is particularly stark in low income countries, where there are frequently huge gaps in the relevant data.

1.1 Macroeconomic summary Economic recovery has consistently outperformed the technical staff’s expectations following a steep decline in activity in the second quarter of 2020. At the same time, total and core inflation rates have fallen and remain at low levels, suggesting that a significant element of the reactivation of Colombia’s economy has been related to recovery in potential GDP. This would support the technical staff’s diagnosis of weak aggregate demand and ample excess capacity. The most recently available data on 2020 growth suggests a contraction in economic activity of 6.8%, lower than estimates from January’s Monetary Policy Report (-7.2%). High-frequency indicators suggest that economic performance was significantly more dynamic than expected in January, despite mobility restrictions and quarantine measures. This has also come amid declines in total and core inflation, the latter of which was below January projections if controlling for certain relative price changes. This suggests that the unexpected strength of recent growth contains elements of demand, and that excess capacity, while significant, could be lower than previously estimated. Nevertheless, uncertainty over the measurement of excess capacity continues to be unusually high and marked both by variations in the way different economic sectors and spending components have been affected by the pandemic, and by uneven price behavior. The size of excess capacity, and in particular the evolution of the pandemic in forthcoming quarters, constitute substantial risks to the macroeconomic forecast presented in this report. Despite the unexpected strength of the recovery, the technical staff continues to project ample excess capacity that is expected to remain on the forecast horizon, alongside core inflation that will likely remain below the target. Domestic demand remains below 2019 levels amid unusually significant uncertainty over the size of excess capacity in the economy. High national unemployment (14.6% for February 2021) reflects a loose labor market, while observed total and core inflation continue to be below 2%. Inflationary pressures from the exchange rate are expected to continue to be low, with relatively little pass-through on inflation. This would be compatible with a negative output gap. Excess productive capacity and the expectation of core inflation below the 3% target on the forecast horizon provide a basis for an expansive monetary policy posture. The technical staff’s assessment of certain shocks and their expected effects on the economy, as well as the presence of several sources of uncertainty and related assumptions about their potential macroeconomic impacts, remain a feature of this report. The coronavirus pandemic, in particular, continues to affect the public health environment, and the reopening of Colombia’s economy remains incomplete. The technical staff’s assessment is that the COVID-19 shock has affected both aggregate demand and supply, but that the impact on demand has been deeper and more persistent. Given this persistence, the central forecast accounts for a gradual tightening of the output gap in the absence of new waves of contagion, and as vaccination campaigns progress. The central forecast continues to include an expected increase of total and core inflation rates in the second quarter of 2021, alongside the lapse of the temporary price relief measures put in place in 2020. Additional COVID-19 outbreaks (of uncertain duration and intensity) represent a significant risk factor that could affect these projections. Additionally, the forecast continues to include an upward trend in sovereign risk premiums, reflected by higher levels of public debt that in the wake of the pandemic are likely to persist on the forecast horizon, even in the context of a fiscal adjustment. At the same time, the projection accounts for the shortterm effects on private domestic demand from a fiscal adjustment along the lines of the one currently being proposed by the national government. This would be compatible with a gradual recovery of private domestic demand in 2022. The size and characteristics of the fiscal adjustment that is ultimately implemented, as well as the corresponding market response, represent another source of forecast uncertainty. Newly available information offers evidence of the potential for significant changes to the macroeconomic scenario, though without altering the general diagnosis described above. The most recent data on inflation, growth, fiscal policy, and international financial conditions suggests a more dynamic economy than previously expected. However, a third wave of the pandemic has delayed the re-opening of Colombia’s economy and brought with it a deceleration in economic activity. Detailed descriptions of these considerations and subsequent changes to the macroeconomic forecast are presented below. The expected annual decline in GDP (-0.3%) in the first quarter of 2021 appears to have been less pronounced than projected in January (-4.8%). Partial closures in January to address a second wave of COVID-19 appear to have had a less significant negative impact on the economy than previously estimated. This is reflected in figures related to mobility, energy demand, industry and retail sales, foreign trade, commercial transactions from selected banks, and the national statistics agency’s (DANE) economic tracking indicator (ISE). Output is now expected to have declined annually in the first quarter by 0.3%. Private consumption likely continued to recover, registering levels somewhat above those from the previous year, while public consumption likely increased significantly. While a recovery in investment in both housing and in other buildings and structures is expected, overall investment levels in this case likely continued to be low, and gross fixed capital formation is expected to continue to show significant annual declines. Imports likely recovered to again outpace exports, though both are expected to register significant annual declines. Economic activity that outpaced projections, an increase in oil prices and other export products, and an expected increase in public spending this year account for the upward revision to the 2021 growth forecast (from 4.6% with a range between 2% and 6% in January, to 6.0% with a range between 3% and 7% in April). As a result, the output gap is expected to be smaller and to tighten more rapidly than projected in the previous report, though it is still expected to remain in negative territory on the forecast horizon. Wide forecast intervals reflect the fact that the future evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic remains a significant source of uncertainty on these projections. The delay in the recovery of economic activity as a result of the resurgence of COVID-19 in the first quarter appears to have been less significant than projected in the January report. The central forecast scenario expects this improved performance to continue in 2021 alongside increased consumer and business confidence. Low real interest rates and an active credit supply would also support this dynamic, and the overall conditions would be expected to spur a recovery in consumption and investment. Increased growth in public spending and public works based on the national government’s spending plan (Plan Financiero del Gobierno) are other factors to consider. Additionally, an expected recovery in global demand and higher projected prices for oil and coffee would further contribute to improved external revenues and would favor investment, in particular in the oil sector. Given the above, the technical staff’s 2021 growth forecast has been revised upward from 4.6% in January (range from 2% to 6%) to 6.0% in April (range from 3% to 7%). These projections account for the potential for the third wave of COVID-19 to have a larger and more persistent effect on the economy than the previous wave, while also supposing that there will not be any additional significant waves of the pandemic and that mobility restrictions will be relaxed as a result. Economic growth in 2022 is expected to be 3%, with a range between 1% and 5%. This figure would be lower than projected in the January report (3.6% with a range between 2% and 6%), due to a higher base of comparison given the upward revision to expected GDP in 2021. This forecast also takes into account the likely effects on private demand of a fiscal adjustment of the size currently being proposed by the national government, and which would come into effect in 2022. Excess in productive capacity is now expected to be lower than estimated in January but continues to be significant and affected by high levels of uncertainty, as reflected in the wide forecast intervals. The possibility of new waves of the virus (of uncertain intensity and duration) represents a significant downward risk to projected GDP growth, and is signaled by the lower limits of the ranges provided in this report. Inflation (1.51%) and inflation excluding food and regulated items (0.94%) declined in March compared to December, continuing below the 3% target. The decline in inflation in this period was below projections, explained in large part by unanticipated increases in the costs of certain foods (3.92%) and regulated items (1.52%). An increase in international food and shipping prices, increased foreign demand for beef, and specific upward pressures on perishable food supplies appear to explain a lower-than-expected deceleration in the consumer price index (CPI) for foods. An unexpected increase in regulated items prices came amid unanticipated increases in international fuel prices, on some utilities rates, and for regulated education prices. The decline in annual inflation excluding food and regulated items between December and March was in line with projections from January, though this included downward pressure from a significant reduction in telecommunications rates due to the imminent entry of a new operator. When controlling for the effects of this relative price change, inflation excluding food and regulated items exceeds levels forecast in the previous report. Within this indicator of core inflation, the CPI for goods (1.05%) accelerated due to a reversion of the effects of the VAT-free day in November, which was largely accounted for in February, and possibly by the transmission of a recent depreciation of the peso on domestic prices for certain items (electric and household appliances). For their part, services prices decelerated and showed the lowest rate of annual growth (0.89%) among the large consumer baskets in the CPI. Within the services basket, the annual change in rental prices continued to decline, while those services that continue to experience the most significant restrictions on returning to normal operations (tourism, cinemas, nightlife, etc.) continued to register significant price declines. As previously mentioned, telephone rates also fell significantly due to increased competition in the market. Total inflation is expected to continue to be affected by ample excesses in productive capacity for the remainder of 2021 and 2022, though less so than projected in January. As a result, convergence to the inflation target is now expected to be somewhat faster than estimated in the previous report, assuming the absence of significant additional outbreaks of COVID-19. The technical staff’s year-end inflation projections for 2021 and 2022 have increased, suggesting figures around 3% due largely to variation in food and regulated items prices. The projection for inflation excluding food and regulated items also increased, but remains below 3%. Price relief measures on indirect taxes implemented in 2020 are expected to lapse in the second quarter of 2021, generating a one-off effect on prices and temporarily affecting inflation excluding food and regulated items. However, indexation to low levels of past inflation, weak demand, and ample excess productive capacity are expected to keep core inflation below the target, near 2.3% at the end of 2021 (previously 2.1%). The reversion in 2021 of the effects of some price relief measures on utility rates from 2020 should lead to an increase in the CPI for regulated items in the second half of this year. Annual price changes are now expected to be higher than estimated in the January report due to an increased expected path for fuel prices and unanticipated increases in regulated education prices. The projection for the CPI for foods has increased compared to the previous report, taking into account certain factors that were not anticipated in January (a less favorable agricultural cycle, increased pressure from international prices, and transport costs). Given the above, year-end annual inflation for 2021 and 2022 is now expected to be 3% and 2.8%, respectively, which would be above projections from January (2.3% and 2,7%). For its part, expected inflation based on analyst surveys suggests year-end inflation in 2021 and 2022 of 2.8% and 3.1%, respectively. There remains significant uncertainty surrounding the inflation forecasts included in this report due to several factors: 1) the evolution of the pandemic; 2) the difficulty in evaluating the size and persistence of excess productive capacity; 3) the timing and manner in which price relief measures will lapse; and 4) the future behavior of food prices. Projected 2021 growth in foreign demand (4.4% to 5.2%) and the supposed average oil price (USD 53 to USD 61 per Brent benchmark barrel) were both revised upward. An increase in long-term international interest rates has been reflected in a depreciation of the peso and could result in relatively tighter external financial conditions for emerging market economies, including Colombia. Average growth among Colombia’s trade partners was greater than expected in the fourth quarter of 2020. This, together with a sizable fiscal stimulus approved in the United States and the onset of a massive global vaccination campaign, largely explains the projected increase in foreign demand growth in 2021. The resilience of the goods market in the face of global crisis and an expected normalization in international trade are additional factors. These considerations and the expected continuation of a gradual reduction of mobility restrictions abroad suggest that Colombia’s trade partners could grow on average by 5.2% in 2021 and around 3.4% in 2022. The improved prospects for global economic growth have led to an increase in current and expected oil prices. Production interruptions due to a heavy winter, reduced inventories, and increased supply restrictions instituted by producing countries have also contributed to the increase. Meanwhile, market forecasts and recent Federal Reserve pronouncements suggest that the benchmark interest rate in the U.S. will remain stable for the next two years. Nevertheless, a significant increase in public spending in the country has fostered expectations for greater growth and inflation, as well as increased uncertainty over the moment in which a normalization of monetary policy might begin. This has been reflected in an increase in long-term interest rates. In this context, emerging market economies in the region, including Colombia, have registered increases in sovereign risk premiums and long-term domestic interest rates, and a depreciation of local currencies against the dollar. Recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in several of these economies; limits on vaccine supply and the slow pace of immunization campaigns in some countries; a significant increase in public debt; and tensions between the United States and China, among other factors, all add to a high level of uncertainty surrounding interest rate spreads, external financing conditions, and the future performance of risk premiums. The impact that this environment could have on the exchange rate and on domestic financing conditions represent risks to the macroeconomic and monetary policy forecasts. Domestic financial conditions continue to favor recovery in economic activity. The transmission of reductions to the policy interest rate on credit rates has been significant. The banking portfolio continues to recover amid circumstances that have affected both the supply and demand for loans, and in which some credit risks have materialized. Preferential and ordinary commercial interest rates have fallen to a similar degree as the benchmark interest rate. As is generally the case, this transmission has come at a slower pace for consumer credit rates, and has been further delayed in the case of mortgage rates. Commercial credit levels stabilized above pre-pandemic levels in March, following an increase resulting from significant liquidity requirements for businesses in the second quarter of 2020. The consumer credit portfolio continued to recover and has now surpassed February 2020 levels, though overall growth in the portfolio remains low. At the same time, portfolio projections and default indicators have increased, and credit establishment earnings have come down. Despite this, credit disbursements continue to recover and solvency indicators remain well above regulatory minimums. 1.2 Monetary policy decision In its meetings in March and April the BDBR left the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.75%.

This report maps the African landscape of Open Science – with a focus on Open Data as a sub-set of Open Science. Data to inform the landscape study were collected through a variety of methods, including surveys, desk research, engagement with a community of practice, networking with stakeholders, participation in conferences, case study presentations, and workshops hosted. Although the majority of African countries (35 of 54) demonstrates commitment to science through its investment in research and development (R&D), academies of science, ministries of science and technology, policies, recognition of research, and participation in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), the following countries demonstrate the highest commitment and political willingness to invest in science: Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. In addition to existing policies in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), the following countries have made progress towards Open Data policies: Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, South Africa and Uganda. Only two African countries (Kenya and South Africa) at this stage contribute 0.8% of its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to R&D (Research and Development), which is the closest to the AU’s (African Union’s) suggested 1%. Countries such as Lesotho and Madagascar ranked as 0%, while the R&D expenditure for 24 African countries is unknown. In addition to this, science globally has become fully dependent on stable ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) infrastructure, which includes connectivity/bandwidth, high performance computing facilities and data services. This is especially applicable since countries globally are finding themselves in the midst of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), which is not only “about” data, but which “is” data. According to an article1 by Alan Marcus (2015) (Senior Director, Head of Information Technology and Telecommunications Industries, World Economic Forum), “At its core, data represents a post-industrial opportunity. Its uses have unprecedented complexity, velocity and global reach. As digital communications become ubiquitous, data will rule in a world where nearly everyone and everything is connected in real time. That will require a highly reliable, secure and available infrastructure at its core, and innovation at the edge.” Every industry is affected as part of this revolution – also science. An important component of the digital transformation is “trust” – people must be able to trust that governments and all other industries (including the science sector), adequately handle and protect their data. This requires accountability on a global level, and digital industries must embrace the change and go for a higher standard of protection. “This will reassure consumers and citizens, benefitting the whole digital economy”, says Marcus. A stable and secure information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure – currently provided by the National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) – is key to advance collaboration in science. The AfricaConnect2 project (AfricaConnect (2012–2014) and AfricaConnect2 (2016–2018)) through establishing connectivity between National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), is planning to roll out AfricaConnect3 by the end of 2019. The concern however is that selected African governments (with the exception of a few countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Ethiopia and others) have low awareness of the impact the Internet has today on all societal levels, how much ICT (and the 4th Industrial Revolution) have affected research, and the added value an NREN can bring to higher education and research in addressing the respective needs, which is far more complex than simply providing connectivity. Apart from more commitment and investment in R&D, African governments – to become and remain part of the 4th Industrial Revolution – have no option other than to acknowledge and commit to the role NRENs play in advancing science towards addressing the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals). For successful collaboration and direction, it is fundamental that policies within one country are aligned with one another. Alignment on continental level is crucial for the future Pan-African African Open Science Platform to be successful. Both the HIPSSA ((Harmonization of ICT Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa)3 project and WATRA (the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly)4, have made progress towards the regulation of the telecom sector, and in particular of bottlenecks which curb the development of competition among ISPs. A study under HIPSSA identified potential bottlenecks in access at an affordable price to the international capacity of submarine cables and suggested means and tools used by regulators to remedy them. Work on the recommended measures and making them operational continues in collaboration with WATRA. In addition to sufficient bandwidth and connectivity, high-performance computing facilities and services in support of data sharing are also required. The South African National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System5 (NICIS) has made great progress in planning and setting up a cyberinfrastructure ecosystem in support of collaborative science and data sharing. The regional Southern African Development Community6 (SADC) Cyber-infrastructure Framework provides a valuable roadmap towards high-speed Internet, developing human capacity and skills in ICT technologies, high- performance computing and more. The following countries have been identified as having high-performance computing facilities, some as a result of the Square Kilometre Array7 (SKA) partnership: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zambia. More and more NRENs – especially the Level 6 NRENs 8 (Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, and recently Zambia) – are exploring offering additional services; also in support of data sharing and transfer. The following NRENs already allow for running data-intensive applications and sharing of high-end computing assets, bio-modelling and computation on high-performance/ supercomputers: KENET (Kenya), TENET (South Africa), RENU (Uganda), ZAMREN (Zambia), EUN (Egypt) and ARN (Algeria). Fifteen higher education training institutions from eight African countries (Botswana, Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, and Tanzania) have been identified as offering formal courses on data science. In addition to formal degrees, a number of international short courses have been developed and free international online courses are also available as an option to build capacity and integrate as part of curricula. The small number of higher education or research intensive institutions offering data science is however insufficient, and there is a desperate need for more training in data science. The CODATA-RDA Schools of Research Data Science aim at addressing the continental need for foundational data skills across all disciplines, along with training conducted by The Carpentries 9 programme (specifically Data Carpentry 10 ). Thus far, CODATA-RDA schools in collaboration with AOSP, integrating content from Data Carpentry, were presented in Rwanda (in 2018), and during17-29 June 2019, in Ethiopia. Awareness regarding Open Science (including Open Data) is evident through the 12 Open Science-related Open Access/Open Data/Open Science declarations and agreements endorsed or signed by African governments; 200 Open Access journals from Africa registered on the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ); 174 Open Access institutional research repositories registered on openDOAR (Directory of Open Access Repositories); 33 Open Access/Open Science policies registered on ROARMAP (Registry of Open Access Repository Mandates and Policies); 24 data repositories registered with the Registry of Data Repositories (re3data.org) (although the pilot project identified 66 research data repositories); and one data repository assigned the CoreTrustSeal. Although this is a start, far more needs to be done to align African data curation and research practices with global standards. Funding to conduct research remains a challenge. African researchers mostly fund their own research, and there are little incentives for them to make their research and accompanying data sets openly accessible. Funding and peer recognition, along with an enabling research environment conducive for research, are regarded as major incentives. The landscape report concludes with a number of concerns towards sharing research data openly, as well as challenges in terms of Open Data policy, ICT infrastructure supportive of data sharing, capacity building, lack of skills, and the need for incentives. Although great progress has been made in terms of Open Science and Open Data practices, more awareness needs to be created and further advocacy efforts are required for buy-in from African governments. A federated African Open Science Platform (AOSP) will not only encourage more collaboration among researchers in addressing the SDGs, but it will also benefit the many stakeholders identified as part of the pilot phase. The time is now, for governments in Africa, to acknowledge the important role of science in general, but specifically Open Science and Open Data, through developing and aligning the relevant policies, investing in an ICT infrastructure conducive for data sharing through committing funding to making NRENs financially sustainable, incentivising open research practices by scientists, and creating opportunities for more scientists and stakeholders across all disciplines to be trained in data management.