Bridging the Digital Innovation Divide: A toolkit for developing sustainable ICT-centric ecosystem projects
Geneva: ITU (2020), ix, 70 pp.
"This toolkit is a guide to skills that will empower digital innovation ecosystem actors to turn a community into a thriving a digital society. Developing strong innovation ecosystems is a key component of national development, as innovation — especially in ICTs — is a driver of economic competitiveness and growth in modern economies. This document will help readers build ICT-centric innovation ecosystems that contribute to thriving communities.
Section 1 provides the reader with the language to understand an ICT-centric innovation ecosystem, defines “innovation” and “digital transformation”, and provides tools to measure ecosystem performance in their community. It provides additional background information on the current state of these ecosystems and why they are necessary in the digital era. The section additionally explores the challenges and opportunities facing most ecosystems and introduces the three engines of growth. Understanding these concepts is essential to a champion’s success in their innovation journey.
Section 2 provides an overview of how to acquire, practice and apply relevant new skills to the ecosystem. It contextualizes the stages along the journey at which each skill will be useful. It also lays out the essentials for organizing the ecosystem-building journey. There is an in-depth description of the tools and basic concepts mentioned in Section 1. Lastly, this section includes checklists to help prepare for the journey, as well as the investment a facilitator or ecosystem builder should consider making.
Section 3 provides case studies that demonstrate how to (i) use the tools introduced in the previous sections to assess ICT-centric ecosystems, and (ii) develop a project that creates an environment conducive to innovation. The first case study explains how to develop a digital innovation profile for an ecosystem. The second case study develops a flagship project to create a sustainable, nurturing environment for inclusive digital transformation. Both cases offer insights from applying the tools." (Executive summary)
Section 1 provides the reader with the language to understand an ICT-centric innovation ecosystem, defines “innovation” and “digital transformation”, and provides tools to measure ecosystem performance in their community. It provides additional background information on the current state of these ecosystems and why they are necessary in the digital era. The section additionally explores the challenges and opportunities facing most ecosystems and introduces the three engines of growth. Understanding these concepts is essential to a champion’s success in their innovation journey.
Section 2 provides an overview of how to acquire, practice and apply relevant new skills to the ecosystem. It contextualizes the stages along the journey at which each skill will be useful. It also lays out the essentials for organizing the ecosystem-building journey. There is an in-depth description of the tools and basic concepts mentioned in Section 1. Lastly, this section includes checklists to help prepare for the journey, as well as the investment a facilitator or ecosystem builder should consider making.
Section 3 provides case studies that demonstrate how to (i) use the tools introduced in the previous sections to assess ICT-centric ecosystems, and (ii) develop a project that creates an environment conducive to innovation. The first case study explains how to develop a digital innovation profile for an ecosystem. The second case study develops a flagship project to create a sustainable, nurturing environment for inclusive digital transformation. Both cases offer insights from applying the tools." (Executive summary)
1. UNDERSTANDING ICT-CENTRIC INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS, 1
Overview of an ICT-centric innovation ecosystem -- Understanding ecosystem performance -- Steps to close the digital innovation gap -- Challenges of ICT-centric innovation ecosystems
2. DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE ECOSYSTEMS, 20
Opportunities to create sustainable ecosystems -- Analysis framework -- Toolbox overview
3. ECOSYSTEM INITIATIVE CASE STUDIES, 47
Country-level digital innovation profile assessment -- Ecosystem flagship project for a country
4. CONCLUSION, 57
Appendix A: Other information and tools, 59
Appendix B: Key terms and concepts, 67
Appendix C: Selected images from workshops, 70
Overview of an ICT-centric innovation ecosystem -- Understanding ecosystem performance -- Steps to close the digital innovation gap -- Challenges of ICT-centric innovation ecosystems
2. DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE ECOSYSTEMS, 20
Opportunities to create sustainable ecosystems -- Analysis framework -- Toolbox overview
3. ECOSYSTEM INITIATIVE CASE STUDIES, 47
Country-level digital innovation profile assessment -- Ecosystem flagship project for a country
4. CONCLUSION, 57
Appendix A: Other information and tools, 59
Appendix B: Key terms and concepts, 67
Appendix C: Selected images from workshops, 70
