 The Knowledge Economy Project has been selected by the European Commission as one of the five medal winners of the e-Inclusion Awards 2008 (http://ec.europa.eu/einclusion) in the Geographic Inclusion category that recognizes contributions for overcoming the disadvantages of living in remote areas and bringing together communities of interest over a very large region. (http://www.e-inclusionawards.eu)
The award for Geographic Inclusion category is related to the first project component "Access to ICT in Disadvantaged Communities and Improved Digital Literacy". Under this component, 255 communities all over Romania and 1.8 million people who live in these communities are now given the opportunity to take part in the new knowledge-based economy through the successful implementation of the Local Electronic Networks. These are computer networks serving as knowledge centers that provide information and services to local authorities, schools, public libraries, citizens and small businesses. This project component also provides professional and financial support for communities networking and schools networking projects initiated by the beneficiary client-groups, specifically from the education, public administration and business sectors.Â
The Knowledge Economy Project is financed by the World Bank with US$ 60 million. The objective of the project is to accelerate the participation of knowledge disadvantaged communities in the knowledge-based society and economy in Romania.
The project has three main components:
Component 1 - Access to Information Communications Technology (ICT) in knowledge disadvantaged communities, and improved digital literacy – shall provide access to ICT services through the provision of physical equipment and connectivity, as well as provide the local populace with the basic digital literacy skills required to increase their utilization of knowledge.
Component 2 - Development and Promotion of e-government Services - will finance the full-scale implementation and deployment of a small number of e-government services, currently being piloted through the use of local community e-network (LCeNs), as the primary means of access, prior to full-scale deployment on a national level.
Component 3 - Promotion of e-commerce and Innovation Support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) - will facilitate Internet-based networks between MSMEs, both in horizontal clusters, and vertical supply chains, serving as a platform of both absorption of innovations, and market support, making MSMEs better informed, more competitive, placing Romania in-line with EU standards.
For more information on the World Bank's work in Romania, visit:
www.worldbank.org.ro
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