As part of their response to the ongoing crisis, many countries are implementing economic stimulus packages. Public support to the build out of broadband infrastructure figures in many of these packages. What is the rationale for such support? How can it be implemented to support and enlarge private investment? What are the outcomes of such stimulus in terms of jobs and economic growth?
To discuss these issues, the Global Information and Communication Technologies (GICT) Department of the World Bank organized a Global Dialogue panel discussion on the role of broadband as both a short-term stimulus and a driver of long-term growth in the context.
Public support can help rollout next generation ICT networks and provide short-term stimulus while laying the foundation for long-term growth. Broadband networks can support long-term innovation-led economic growth. Recent research by the World Bank finds that for every 10 percentage-point increase in the penetration of broadband services, developing countries can see an increase in economic growth of 1.3 percentage points.
Such broadband stimulus can help Eastern Europe catch up with the EU-15 countries in broadband penetration and realize such growth opportunities. One estimate suggests that two-thirds of broadband subscribers globally are in developed countries. Broadband subscription rates in the Euro area countries, for instance, are significantly higher than that in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Begins: Jun 22, 2009 09:00
Ends: Jun 22, 2009 11:00
Date/time: June 22, 2009, 9:00 am - 11:00 am. Washington DC time (GMT - 4 hours)
For more information and workshop materials, visit e-TG website.