Download as docx, pdf, or txt
Download as docx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 33

how you know


For U.S. Businesses
  For International Businesses
 
 Contact Us

 About Us

Search ITA
Home
1. Country Commercial Guides
2. Philippines - Information and Communications Technology

Philippines - Country Commercial Guide


FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmail
Copy Link
 Philippines Country Commercial Guide
 Doing Business in
  Leading Sectors for US Exports & Investments
  Information and Communications Technology
 Defense
 Energy
 Transport Infrastructure
 Healthcare
 Agricultural Sectors
 Customs, Regulations & Standards
  Selling US Products & Services
  Business Travel
  Investment Climate Statement

o
Information and Communications Technology
Last published date: 2024-01-23
Overview
Significant growth in private and public investment, upward consumer spending, and demand for
better connectivity drive the information and communications technology (ICT) industry in the
Philippines. The COVID-19 pandemic also fast-tracked digitalization in the government and
private sector, drumming up demand for ICT products and services.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the country’s digital economy surged to
about $36.5 billion in 2022, contributing 9.4 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This
marked an 11 percent increase from about $33 billion recorded in 2021, covering digital
transactions spanning digital-enabling infrastructure, e-commerce, and digital media/content.
Digital-enabling infrastructure emerged as the largest contributor, accounting for around $28
billion or 77.2 percent of the total. This amount reflected a 7.5 percent rise compared to its 2021
figure of $26 billion, with telecommunication services and professional and business services
being the primary contributors.
The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 specifies digital transformation as one of its
underlying themes. In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos
directed all government agencies to digitalize all essential public services. Efforts in this
direction include the establishment of more common tower infrastructures to increase
connectivity, digitalization of business registration processes in local governments, integration of
online government services in a single platform through the eGov PH Super App,
implementation of the national broadband plan to improve internet and mobile services, and
execution of the Cloud First Policy that promotes cloud computing technology for government
administration and public services delivery. Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprises
(MSMEs) are likewise highly encouraged and supported by the government to embrace
digitalization and innovation.
The previous administration enacted laws to facilitate improvements in the ICT landscape. On
March 21, 2022, former President Duterte signed the amendment to the Public Service Act
(11659), allowing up to 100% foreign ownership of public services in the Philippines, including
telecommunications. To create a better business environment and support its digital
transformation projects, the former president also signed the Ease of Doing Business and
Efficient Government Service Delivery Act (RA 11032) in May 2018. In 2016, the Philippine
Government established the Department of Information and Communications Technology (RA
10844) to show its strong support to the ICT industry.
The Philippines’ growing middle class and the young population are also important drivers of IT
demand. There is an upward trajectory in their spending levels on technology benefiting
premium brands.
Philippine infrastructure projects are another area of opportunity for U.S. exporters. Road,
railway, airport, bridge, and port systems will require design software, building information
modeling (BIM) for better project management and file-sharing applications. These systems will
drive demand for hardware, software, and services.
Leading subsectors
The following are the leading subsectors with commercial opportunities for U.S. companies:
Cybersecurity
The Philippines is exposed to a high risk of cyberattacks and security breaches due to its tech-
savvy population and limited data protection measures. These risks include malware, data
leakage, and compromised websites among government and private organizations.
The Philippines ranked 61st out of 182 countries in the 2020 Global Cybersecurity Index
conducted by the International Telecommunication Union. The adoption of legal and
cooperation measures was identified as among the country’s strengths in cybersecurity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital and cybersecurity tools. Based
on a November 2021 survey of 500 respondents from five ASEAN countries published by a
global cybersecurity company, it was found that 64% of Philippine respondents increased their
cybersecurity allocations for the following year. According to the survey, Filipino companies
improved their cybersecurity through identity and access management (57%), cloud security
(55%), threat detection and correlation systems and platforms (42%), fifth generation (5G)
security strategy (42%), and internet of things or operational strategy (39%). Generally,
software-defined area network security is gaining market popularity as a result of the ongoing
use of cloud storage and solutions.
Market Opportunities
The Philippine Government, the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, education sector,
financial sector, health sector, and the telecommunications industry are key vertical markets for
ICT. There is also growth in e-payment and fintech platforms with the expansion of e-
commerce.
The draft of the National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2023-2028 is currently being finalized and
is set to be released before the end of 2023. Laws on cybersecurity and critical information
infrastructure protection are among the major policy proposals put forth in the NCSP. The
Philippine Government continues to amplify the Data Privacy Act (RA 10173), set data
protection standards, and recommend that all entities register with its online portal and hire a
Data Privacy Officer. The rollout with the allocated budget indicates opportunities for U.S.
software and hardware solutions providers.
Software and Services
Market research firm Business Management International (BMI) forecasts that Philippine
software sales will reach $95 million by 2025. From 2020-2021, software sales benefited from
an increased demand for devices from Filipinos working and studying remotely. Local firms
have also pushed for digital transformation, increasing spending on enterprise architecture
projects. The purchases were also driven by Microsoft Windows 11 releases to access
significant security and feature updates. The Philippines jumped two spots to 56th from the
previous year’s 58th in the 2022 IMD Digital Competitiveness Ranking report. However, the
country ranked second to the lowest among 14 Asia-Pacific countries.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging sub-sector in the Philippines which is anticipated to
reach a market size of approximately $808 million in 2023, according to Statista. Detailed in a
2020 report by EDBI and Kearney, AI is projected to boost Philippine GDP by 12% ($92 billion)
by 2030. Global management consulting firm McKinsey also noted the potential for AI to
create opportunities by automating approximately 50% of the tasks conducted within ASEAN’s
four largest economies, including the Philippines.
Enterprise Applications
More than 400 software firms operate in the Philippines, with U.S. and European firms
dominating the enterprise application segment. The Philippines’ robust business process
outsourcing (BPO) industry is a strong market for enterprise applications. In 2022, the IT &
Business Process Management Association of the Philippines, Inc. reported that the Philippine
BPO industry generated $32.5 billion in revenue, and this figure is projected to reach $35.9
billion in 2023. Domestic consumers include sizeable private sector entities such as financial
institutions, healthcare facilities, and conglomerates with various business units seeking
digitization solutions in HR, accounting, business intelligence, and data warehousing.
In 2021, the Philippine Statistics Authority noted that of 1,080,810 businesses, 99.58% are
micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME). MSMEs are emerging customers in the
enterprise application segment as they often lack the digital tools necessary to expand their
businesses efficiently. Other sectors with software needs include the retail, manufacturing, and
fintech sectors. Many local businesses are emerging, providing low-cost consulting,
maintenance, and systems integration services.
Data Hosting and Processing
In 2021, the Philippine data center market saw investments amounting to $298 million, as
reported by Colliers. The increasing demand for these facilities is expected to expand, primarily
due to factors such as the continuous growth of e-commerce, widespread adoption of cloud
computing technologies, and the rising demand for 5G connectivity, among others.
The data hosting and processing segment is expected to grow as more firms seek to utilize cloud
solutions for efficiency and resilience in the new normal. Legacy telecom firms are building
their own data centers to service more customers.
Large local BPO firms are the consumers of cloud solutions, utilizing regional hubs in
Singapore. Most global cloud providers partner with a local firm to offer services.
The Philippine Government is also actively positioning the country as the next major center for
hyperscale data centers in the Asia-Pacific region. It envisions a five-fold increase in data center
capacity within the Philippines over the next five years, to reach an estimated 300 megawatts by
2025.
The 2023 Q1 market report by S&P Global Market Intelligence highlights a significant 13
percent compound annual growth rate in the operational space of data centers in the country
between 2020 and 2025. This growth is driven by the ongoing expansion endeavors of
hyperscale data centers and the heightened interest of global enterprises in establishing their
presence in the Philippines.
Market Opportunities
The Philippine government’s Digital Transformation Strategy seeks to improve the government’s
digital infrastructure, connectivity, and ease of doing business through innovative tools and
solutions. Software development for revenue management systems, tax collection, and a one-
stop online platform for business processing are projects in the pipeline. Government cloud data
centers, employee email, and national archives management are also part of the government’s
cloud-first policy.
Initiatives such as the National A.I. Roadmap, further fuel the requirement for ICT products and
services. The requirement outlined in the roadmap provide every household with a minimum of
1 Mbps download and upload capabilities, presenting a significant business opportunity for U.S.
companies specializing in telecommunications infrastructure and broadband services. U.S. firms
can collaborate with local partners to expand and upgrade the country’s telecommunications
networks, laying the groundwork for improved internet access.
Smart Cities
The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred Philippine cities to improve citizen services. Their
constituents were vulnerable during the lockdown, and they relied heavily on the support of their
city governments. Cities moved to digitize services and set standards for data storage,
protection, and utilization by rolling out health IT and applications for contract tracing, financial
assistance distribution, and city-wide vaccination programs.
Disasters such as Typhoon Odette in 2021 and Typhoon Paeng in 2022 emphasized the
importance of ICT solutions for disaster response and resilience management programs. Local
government officials have been pushing for the digital transformation of their cities.
Market Opportunities
Several ICT approaches emerged to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts
vary from command center development, disaster risk mitigation, resilience management, digital
health and education, and data center upgrades to cybersecurity and analytics solutions. There
are 17 cities in Metro Manila embarking on digital transformation projects. Beyond Metro
Manila, Cebu and Davao are also undertaking digital transformation projects as part of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Smart Cities Network.
Telecommunications
In the July 2023 Ookla Speedtest Global Index, the Philippines ranked 89th of 143 countries in
mobile internet speed with 25.88 Mbps (global average of 42.35 Mbps) and 49th of 181
countries with 91.56 Mbps (global average of 82.56 Mbps) in fixed broadband speed often
higher in Metro Manila. By 2025, the number of mobile subscribers in the Philippines will reach
159 million, and broadband subscribers will number 10.8 million.
Digital transformation is being led by local telecommunications firms and emerging broadband
companies, and these efforts are contributing to strong growth in the telecommunications
industry. The Philippines has been identified as among the Asian countries at the forefront of 5G
network rollouts, with major telecommunications players spending a combined total of $15
billion on the rollout of their services. Legacy telecommunications players lead the 5G rollout
with a combined total of 4,000 5G sites across the country. Emerging broadband providers are
focused on 5G, mobile services infrastructure, and satellite connectivity projects.
The pandemic increased the demand for connectivity as more and more Filipinos were working
and studying remotely and accessing online content and platforms. According to BMI, higher
data revenues are expected with mobile video streaming and e-commerce growth.
In October 2022, President Marcos signed the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration
Act (RA 11934), which mandates all end users to register their SIM cards with public
telecommunications entities to protect consumers against illegal and fraudulent activities through
mobile and online channels. As of July 30, 2023, almost 114 million SIM cards have been
registered according to the National Telecommunications Commission.
In March 2022, former President Duterte signed the amendments to the Public Service Act (RA
11659). This significant ICT amendment allows up to 100% foreign ownership of certain public
services in the Philippines, including telecommunications. This measure should foster
competition and provide better quality services at a lower cost.
In May 2020, DICT published its first guidelines of the Common Tower Policy for independent
cell tower construction in support of the Free Public Internet Access Act (RA 10929). Private
companies interested in participating should register at DICT’s Common Tower Registration
Portal. This will improve the rollout of mobile networks considering that the Philippines only
has 22,834 combined cell sites operated by the three major telecommunications companies,
compared to Vietnam that has 90,000.
In May 2021, DICT and the Bases and Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) tendered the
first phase of its National Broadband Plan valued at $2 million, which is the rollout of a bypass
cable and fiber-optic network. The other phases of the national broadband plan include the
national free Wi-Fi program, satellite overlay, and the common tower policy.
Market Opportunities
With full foreign ownership allowed in the telecommunications sector, foreign investors have
greater control and significant incentives to participate in the market. Mobile subscribers would
eagerly switch carriers to obtain better coverage and more economical pricing options.
All telecommunications players are expected to upgrade their network capabilities, install fiber-
optic and sub-sea systems and cables, purchase modern networking equipment/storage/servers,
and utilize cloud and cybersecurity services. The 5G rollout requires digital transformation
solutions, including 5G-ready consumer devices. There are opportunities for U.S. financing
companies to support medium to long-term telecommunications expansion projects.
In addition to the four leading subsectors, the Philippines is considered a strong market for
consumer electronic products.
Consumer Electronics
Statista reported that consumer electronics revenue in the Philippines will reach $9.8 billion this
year with an annual growth rate of 0.25% through 2026. Strong demand is driven by Filipinos
working and studying remotely as well as the emerging middle class. It is estimated that 1.5
million households will reach an annual income of $25,000 by 2024. This group is expected to
purchase consumer electronics for the first time and is eager to own mobile devices, game
consoles, televisions, desktop and laptop computers, and other electronic devices.
Market Opportunities
Consumer electronics market spending between 2021-2026 will reach $9.8 billion. The most
popular subsectors include mobile phones, computer hardware, laptops, tablets, and audiovisual
devices. The mobile device market is the single largest sector with over 55% of all consumer
electronics-related spending.
About 44 million Filipinos own a smartphone and media reports that Filipinos spend an average
of 10 hours daily online, with 144 minutes on social media platforms. Major contributors are
long commute times, working from home, virtual schooling, and other computer-based work.
Emerging markets include premium products such as smartwatches and fitness trackers that
target young professionals who use their disposable income for luxury purchases. A side note to
consider is that the actual purchasing power for the nation is distorted by robust overseas foreign
worker (OFW) remittances that enter the country, amounting to $36 billion in 2022 which
accounted for 8.9% of the GDP.
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/philippines-information-and-
communications-technology

 WHO WE ARE
 WHAT WE DO
 WHERE WE WORK
 UNDERSTANDING POVERTY
 WORK WITH US


global Search dropdown
1. Who We Are
2. News
PRESS RELEASE October 5, 2020

Harnessing Digital Technologies Can Help


Philippines Overcome Impact of Pandemic,
Hasten Recovery

MANILA, October 5, 2020— Rapid adoption of digital technologies can help the Philippines
overcome the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, recover from the crisis, and achieve its vision of
becoming a middle-class society free of poverty, according to the report released today by the
World Bank and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
Titled “A Better Normal Under Covid-19: Digitalizing the Philippine Economy Now,” the
report says that the use of digital technologies such as digital payments, e-commerce,
telemedicine, and online education, is rising in the Philippines and has helped individuals,
businesses, and the government cope with social distancing measures, ensure business
continuity, and deliver public services during the pandemic.
“This pandemic has caused substantial disruptions in the domestic economy as community
restrictions have limited movement of people and reduced business operations nationwide. As we
are now living with the new normal, the use of digital technology and digital transformation
have become important for Filipinos in coping with the present crisis, moving towards economic
recovery, and getting us back on track towards our long-term aspirations,” NEDA
Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon said.
The use of digital technologies in the Philippines, however, is still below its potential, with the
country’s digital adoption generally trailing behind many regional neighbors. The “digital
divide” between those with and without internet leads to unequal access to social services and
life-changing economic opportunities.
“Internet connectivity – the foundation of the digital economy – is limited in rural areas, and
where they are available, services are relatively expensive and of weak quality,” said Ndiame
Diop, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand.
“Upgrading digital infrastructure all over the country will introduce fundamental changes that
can improve social service delivery, enhance resilience against shocks, and create more
economic opportunities for all Filipinos.”
Where internet services are available, Filipino consumers experience slow download speeds. At
16.76 megabytes per second (Mbps), the Philippines’s mobile broadband speed is much lower
than the global average of 32.01 Mbps. In the region, the 3G/4G mobile average download speed
stands at 13.26 Mbps compared to only seven (7) Mbps in the Philippines.
Efforts to enhance digital infrastructure in the Philippines are hindered by a lack of competition
as well as restrictions on investment in the telecommunications markets, according to the report.
These restrictions include the public utility designation of telecommunications, which limits
foreign ownership and places a cap on the rate of return.
The report also identifies the low transaction account ownership, the lack of a national ID,
nascent payment infrastructure, and the perceived risk of digital transactions as restricting the
wider adoption of digital payments.
Encouraging wider participation on digital payments is best supported by public agencies going
digital themselves. Two key entry points identified in the report are expanding the use of e-
signatures among government agencies and mandating the acceptance of e-invoices and e-
receipts in government transactions.
According to World Bank Economist Kevin Chua, lead author of the report, increasing digital
adoption by the government, businesses, and citizens is critical, not only to help the Philippines
adapt to the post-COVID-19 world, but also to achieve its vision of becoming a society free of
poverty by 2040.
“In this society-wide digital transformation, the government can take the lead by speeding up e-
governance projects, such as the foundational identification system and the digitization of its
processes and procedures, which will help promote greater inclusion, improve efficiency, and
enhance security,” said Chua. “Moreover, the government can take an active role in fostering
policies that reduce the digital divide and create a more conducive business environment for the
digital economy to flourish.”
Fostering innovation and improving the business environment in the country will be critical in
supporting the digital economy. Recent government efforts to speed up the rollout of mobile
network infrastructure through a common tower policy are steps towards the right direction, said
the report.
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/10/05/harnessing-digital-technologies-
can-help-philippines-overcome-impact-of-pandemic-hasten-recovery

 Careers
 Contact
 Testimonials
February 6, 2024
Search
 Channel
 Country
 Events
 Awards
 OGTV
Subscribe

9th Annual Singapore OpenGov Leadership Forum 2024, 14 - 15 May 2024 - CLICK
HERE FOR DETAILS

Social Impact of Digital Innovation in the


Philippines
 Yen Ocampo
 September 12, 2023
Image credit: dost.gov.ph




The impact of digital technologies on the Philippines’ National Capital Region (NCR) is
profound, with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) playing a pivotal role in
advancing science, technology, and innovation (STI) for social development. The collaboration
between the DOST-NCR and various local government units (LGUs) signifies a commitment to
harnessing the potential of technology for the betterment of society.
Under the banner of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST)
programme, the DOST-NCR is actively engaged in bridging the gap between advanced
technologies and communities. This initiative aims to ensure that the benefits of research and
development (R&D) reach all sectors of society, from industries to micro-small and medium
enterprises (MSMEs) and local communities.
In a press release, Regional Director Engr Romelen Tresvalles underscores the importance of
deploying technology through the CEST programme, emphasising the goal of enhancing the
social fabric. The DOST-NCR’s efforts extend beyond industry sectors, recognising the value of
empowering all segments of society.
One notable project showcased is the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MOCCOV)
Technology in Taguig City. MOCCOV is a critical tool for LGUs to enhance their disaster
readiness and response capabilities. Equipped with various features, including an integrated
weather station system, drones, satellite communication, and surveillance equipment, MOCCOV
ensures quick and efficient responses to calamities and emergencies.
Another significant project is the Interactive Science Education Complex and State-of-the-Art
Science Laboratory (ISEC-SAS Lab) at the Taguig National High School. This interactive
science laboratory is designed to support STEM education, offering students and teachers access
to advanced technologies and hands-on experimental learning. It fosters curiosity and awareness,
particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and
space technology.
The Integration of the Fast-Charging System in Pasay City’s Transport Group Operations is
another commendable initiative. The Charging in Minutes (CharM) Technology, developed by
the University of the Philippines Diliman and supported by DOST funding, significantly reduces
charging time for electric vehicles (EVs). CharM not only maximises the usage of EV
technologies but also promotes greener mass transit, aligning with sustainable environmental
goals.
The collaboration between DOST-NCR and the Philippine Normal University addresses the need
to enhance the capabilities of STEM teachers. This project focuses on Earth Sciences and
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) topics, providing educators with the tools
and knowledge needed to effectively teach these critical subjects.
The iSTART programme, in partnership with local governments in Quezon City and Muntinlupa
City, aims to strategically align DOST’s programmes and projects with local development plans.
By engaging researchers, scientists, and engineers in the planning process, iSTART facilitates
technology-based development plans for various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing,
and services, ultimately contributing to regional growth through STI.
CEST, as a pillar of DOST-NCR, emphasises the upgrading of technology-based enterprises.
This commitment to improving businesses through science and technology underscores the
importance of innovation in driving economic development and sustainability.
The recent science fair, with the theme ‘Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa
Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan,’ served as a platform to showcase innovative
products, services, and research studies addressing pressing concerns in Metro Manila. The event
provided interactive exhibits and forums where the DOST and its partners demonstrated their
latest solutions and advancements in agriculture, health, education, enterprise development,
DRRM, and more.
As these collaborations and initiatives demonstrate, the impact of digital technologies, guided by
a commitment to social development, is transformative. The DOST-NCR’s efforts, in
conjunction with local governments and educational institutions, highlight the potential for
technology to uplift communities, enhance education, improve disaster preparedness, and drive
economic progress in the National Capital Region. By leveraging STI, the Philippines is building
a stronger, more resilient, and technologically advanced future for all.
 Share on LinkedIn
 Share on Facebook

NTU’s Smart Breakthroughs for Biomedical


Advancements
 Alita Sharon
 February 5, 2024




In a groundbreaking development, an international team of scientists has engineered a flexible
electrode, drawing inspiration from spider silk, that moulds around muscles, nerves, and hearts,
demonstrating superior performance in electrical stimulation and signal recording compared to
conventional stretchable electrodes.

Image
credits: Nanyang Technological University
This technological innovation has the potential to pave the way for biomedical devices,
revolutionising areas such as irregular heartbeat monitoring, nerve repair, wound closure, and
scar reduction.
The flexible electrode is crafted from a material that contracts when exposed to moisture,
seamlessly fitting around tissues and organs. The material, formed into a thin film through
repeated stretching, mimics spider silk’s intricate structure.
When dry, the film retains its stretched state due to the formation of bridges and pores in the
semicrystalline PEO. Upon contact with water, the PEO structures dissolve, causing the material
to contract, creating a snug fit around biological structures.
The researchers deposited electrically conductive gold onto the film before wetting it to create a
flexible electrode. Rat experiments demonstrated the electrode’s efficacy in delivering electrical
impulses to nerves and recording signals from muscles, nerves, and the heart with higher
sensitivity than conventional stretchable gold electrodes.
The electrode’s water-responsive nature enables it to be wrapped around a rat heart, detecting
abnormal heart rhythms without the need for customisation. Its minimally invasive installation
procedure makes it suitable for temporary or permanent implantation, enhancing safety and
simplicity.
Research fellow Dr Yi Junqi foresees water-responsive material as pivotal in future biomedical
applications, while Prof. Chen Xiaodong and Prof. Gao Huajian emphasise the flexible
electrode’s potential in understanding brain disorders and treating neurodegenerative diseases by
measuring delicate activities in living tissues.
In another breakthrough led by NTU Singapore, researchers have developed a cutting-edge
method for treating glioblastoma, the most common form of brain cancer, using a significantly
reduced dose of X-rays.

Image
credits: Nanyang Technological University
This innovative radiodynamic therapy, utilising a novel compound known as a molecular radio
afterglow dynamic probe (MRAP), demonstrates promising results in curbing brain tumour
growth with minimal side effects, potentially revolutionising the landscape of brain cancer
treatment.
Every year, over 300,000 people globally are diagnosed with glioblastoma, posing a significant
challenge due to the limited effectiveness of conventional radiation treatments. Radiodynamic
therapy, a promising alternative, involves specially made compounds activated by X-rays to
create cancer-killing free radicals. However, the heavy metals in these compounds often cause
unintended damage to healthy cells.
To overcome challenges in brain cancer treatment, Prof Pu Kanyi’s team at NTU developed the
MRAP compound, devoid of heavy metals, ensuring precise activation within brain tumour cells.
In mouse experiments, MRAPs exhibited a remarkable response, absorbing X-ray radiation and
releasing cancer-killing free radicals selectively in the presence of specific enzymes produced by
brain tumour cells.
With a dosage significantly lower than conventional methods, MRAP treatment halted tumour
growth in mice, showcasing a smart capability to selectively target tumour cells and minimise
side effects in normal cells.
The MRAP technology offers a safer and more effective treatment method, showcasing potential
advancements in brain cancer therapy. With a patent filed on MRAPs, discussions with potential
investors are underway, indicating significant interest in advancing this groundbreaking research.
Looking ahead, Prof Pu’s team aims to enhance MRAP’s ability to target cancer cells further,
incorporating immunotherapeutic functions to activate the immune system against cancer cells
and combat cancer recurrence. The findings open new avenues for precise tumour cell
elimination, presenting a promising future for brain cancer patients.
Professor Marc Vendrell from The University of Edinburgh highlights the importance of this
research in advancing cancer treatments, suggesting that the next steps involve evaluating safety
and efficacy in larger pre-clinical models and subsequent first-in-human studies.
 Share on LinkedIn
 Share on Facebook

Revolutionising Logistics: India’s Digital


Infrastructure Advancements
 Samaya Dharmaraj
 February 5, 2024




In a bid to revolutionise the landscape of EXIM logistics and infrastructure, the 9th Services
Improvement Group (SIG) meeting, marked a significant milestone under the guidance of Ms
Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary, Logistics Division, DPIIT. The meeting served as a platform
to showcase a plethora of initiatives devised to address challenges faced by the industry, with a
particular focus on the resounding success of the Electronic Logs (E-Logs) platform.
Central to the meeting’s discussions was the unveiling of the E-Logs platform’s key features,
including real-time issue tracking, secure data sharing, and streamlined communication channels.
This technological marvel has played a pivotal role in expediting issue resolution for
stakeholders in the logistics sector, resulting in a commendable enhancement of operational
efficiency and an overall improvement in logistics performance.
An outstanding achievement highlighted during the meeting was the resolution of a longstanding
staff-related issue at the Air Freight Station in Kapashera. The Department of Revenue apprised
the SIG members of the swift actions taken, showcasing the effective collaboration between the
Department and the Logistics Division.
Industry associations lauded the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) for inviting
comments on the B-2-B draft policy, emphasising the collaborative spirit between the
government and industry stakeholders. A key player in the e-commerce sector, shared insights
into the tremendous benefits derived from the notification of the Joint Parcel Policy, specifically
in enhancing parcel freight movement on railways.
The meeting also addressed concerns related to the transportation of rubber products from the
North-Eastern region, with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways presenting ongoing
initiatives. These include the awarding of dredging contracts for waterway routes connecting
Tripura and Kolkata port, utilisation of alternative routes like the Sonamura Inland Waterway
Terminal and Sabroom land port, and efforts to facilitate 24×7 operations through night
navigation systems.
Bringing together a diverse group of over 40 participants, including officials from the Ministry
of Finance, Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,
and Ministry of Railways, alongside industry representatives from prominent organisations such
as FFFAI, FICCI, CSLA, ASSOCHAM, and WAI, the 9th SIG meeting showcased the
collaborative approach between the government and industry associations.
At the forefront of the National Logistics Policy (NLP), the SIG serves as an inter-ministerial
institutional mechanism, engaging with more than 30 business associations in the logistics sector.
The 9th SIG meeting stands as a testament to the outcomes of these collaborative efforts,
exemplifying the commitment to driving innovation, streamlining processes, and fostering
growth in the EXIM logistics sector. As the industry continues to evolve, these concerted efforts
underscore the proactive measures taken by the government to propel the sector towards
excellence.
India actively invests in cutting-edge technology to boost economic strength and infrastructure,
aligning with global standards. This proactive approach underscores India’s commitment to
leveraging technology for comprehensive development and reinforcing its global standing.
OpenGov Asia reported that Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri
Sarbananda Sonowal, is set to introduce two digital modules – the Maritime Single Window
(MSW) and the Mercantile Maritime Department (MMD) – on the Sagar Setu (NLP-M)
platform, marking a pivotal step towards a more efficient and technologically advanced maritime
landscape in India.
The MSW module facilitates the electronic exchange of maritime information among
stakeholders, streamlining processes and transforming data management. Simultaneously, the
MMD module enhances the Mercantile Maritime Department’s efficiency by providing vital
vessel detention and release status information.
This technological leap aligns with broader government initiatives, discussed in the recent
Services Improvement Group (SIG) meeting, showcasing India’s commitment to modernising
and streamlining the EXIM logistics and infrastructure sector. The integration of these modules
strengthens India’s maritime capabilities and contributes to sector-wide growth and efficiency.
 Share on LinkedIn
 Share on Facebook

Indonesia: Digital Access Empowering


Communities
 Azizah Saffa
 February 5, 2024




The Indonesian government fully supports the ASEAN Digital Work Plan, in collaboration with
the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in 2024, aligning with the ASEAN-ITU
Priority Areas of Cooperation for 2024-2026. This decision underscored a commitment to
advancing digital connectivity across the ASEAN region.
Image credits: kominfo.go.id
During the ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting with ITU, Secretary General of the Ministry of
Communication and Informatics, Mira Tayyiba, accompanied by the Director of ASEAN
Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adhyanti Wirajuda, and the Head of
International Cooperation Centre at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Ichwan
Makmur Nasution.
Secretary General Mira emphasised that this collaboration will play an integral role in achieving
comprehensive goals, specifically in making digital connectivity more equitable across ASEAN
countries. “With ITU’s support, the benefits of internet connectivity are expected to be brought
to all communities in the region,” she asserted.
Mira also highlighted ITU’s crucial role in extending the benefits of internet connectivity
globally. About 517.2 million people in Southeast Asia, equivalent to 75.6% of the total
population, are connected to the internet. Despite significant progress, challenges persist, as
approximately 166.7 million people, or 24.4% of the population, still need to be connected.
Secretary General Mira asserted that efforts to connect the most remote areas and rural
communities require strong dedication. Furthermore, Indonesia has collaborated with ITU in
implementing initiatives such as Smart Villages and Smart Islands (SVSI).
“As a means to provide connectivity and digital services to communities that are unconnected
and underserved,” she explained.
Addressing the issue of digital connectivity, Secretary General Mira considered its crucial role in
transforming communities in rural and coastal areas. In her view, digital connectivity is the key
to positive changes in the lives of these communities. Adequate connection with digital
technology is believed to positively impact their livelihoods and well-being by accessing various
digitally available services.
She emphasised that initiatives like SVSI are concrete steps supporting the goal of equitable
distribution. Aligned with the Masterplan Digital ASEAN 2025, SVSI is a strategic step to
address the digital divide and promote digital inclusion across the ASEAN region.
“By creating equal access to digital services in rural and coastal areas, communities in these
regions are expected to experience positive benefits from digital transformation. The connection
to various digital services, such as healthcare, education, and economic services, is seen as a path
to improving the standard of living and the welfare of local communities,” she added.
In exploring the positive impact and strategic role of initiatives like SVSI, Secretary General
Mira underscored the importance of utilising digital technology as a catalyst for advancing the
holistic well-being of communities. This perspective reflects the government’s commitment to
implementing concrete steps to ensure equal access to digital connectivity, primarily focusing on
rural and coastal areas.
The digital divide can be addressed through initiatives like SVSI, which are integral to national
efforts and in line with the vision of the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025. This initiative is
considered a strategic tool that will support the government’s goal of improving the population’s
overall well-being. Digital technology is seen as a means to open new opportunities and
empower communities, especially in areas that may have been previously limited in access and
utilisation of technology.
Secretary General Mira highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and
various stakeholders in supporting digital connectivity initiatives. Strengthening this cooperation
is vital to ensuring these programmes’ sustainability and success.
“By involving various stakeholders, including the private sector, academia, and civil society, we
can create an ecosystem that supports government initiatives in expanding the reach of digital
technology across various layers of society,” explains Mira.
The focus on rural and coastal areas is an integral part of this strategy, considering that these two
regions often require the most attention to equalise digital access. Through these initiatives,
positive benefits will permeate various aspects of community life in these areas, creating equal
opportunities and improving overall quality of life.
https://opengovasia.com/social-impact-of-digital-innovation-in-the-philippines/
Discover Papers for your research
TRY NEW AI SEARCH
Copilot - Read with AI
Login or Sign Up to Upload multiple PDFs
Use notes, and Save copilot responses as notes
Loading Chat History
1. Home
 Questions
5. What are the positive effects of technology in Philippines language

What are the positive effects of technology in


Philippines language?
Popular culture
Music industry
Language policy
Medium of instruction
Multilingualism
SCISPACE
The positive effects of technology in the Philippines language include increased access to global
information and cultural products, the ability to reach Filipino communities worldwide, and the
facilitation of independent music practices. Technology has allowed the Philippines to maintain
its own cultural identity and diversity in the face of globalization [1]. In terms of education,
technology has provided opportunities for students to learn and teachers to teach, particularly
through the use of hand-held calculators, computer software, and the Internet [2]. Additionally,
technology has played a significant role in the promotion, production, and distribution of music
in the Philippines, enabling independent artists to thrive and adapt to a rapidly evolving industry
[3]
. Furthermore, technology has been utilized to address the lack of qualified English school
teachers in the Philippines, with the development of an electronic reader that improves English
language skills and test scores among students
https://typeset.io/questions/what-are-the-positive-effects-of-technology-in-philippines-
3r63wbxpmr

Digital Economy and its Impact on Russian


Economic and Regional Development
11 Pages Posted: 10 Feb 2023
Larisa Kargina
Moscow State University of Railway Engineering (MIIT) - Russian University of Transport
(RUT-MIIT), Students; Moscow State University of Railway Engineering (MIIT), Russian
University of Transport (RUT-MIIT)), Institute of Economics and Finance
Alexander Rozanov
Law Institute of the Russian University of Transport
There are 2 versions of this paper
Date Written: January 10, 2023
Abstract
The main goal of the national digital economy is to create new opportunities for the
development, modernization and optimization of all levels of economic activity based on digital
infrastructure. However, this cannot be achieved unless progress is made in digitalization of all
regions of the country.

Therefore, at the present moment, the study of various aspects of the digital economy and the
processes of its formation in the regions of Russia is an urgent scientific and practical task.

The digital economy is an economy based on computer technologies, covering all spheres of life
and focused on the consumer in order to improve the provision of services in trade, transport,
medicine, education, culture and others, operating with data stored in databases. Computer
technology manufacturers and service providers are representatives of the IT industry, which is
becoming a key industry - the engine of the new fourth technological revolution.

The prerequisites for the development of digitalization in Russia were the reduction in the cost of
technologies and computing power, as well as the increase in the availability of high-speed data
transmission. However, regional inequality in the implementation of digital technologies slows
down the overall process, so it needs to be eliminated.

Currently, it is necessary that work on the development of the digital economy be carried out in
all regions of Russia, this will contribute to improving the quality of people's lives, the quality of
industrial production, agriculture, simplify access to customers for small and medium-sized
businesses, simplify access to information, etc.
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4352904
M PRAMunich Personal RePEc Archive
The impact of digitalization on the
Russian economy
Gasanov, Oscar
Don State Technical University
16 June 2022
Online at https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/119772/
MPRA Paper No. 119772, posted 20 Jan 2024 14:32 UTC
THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF DIGITALIZATION IN
RUSSIA
Oscar Gasanov
Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
osgas@mail.ru
ORCID: 0000-0002-2126-8394
SPIN: 7645-4217
Abstract
Subject. The development of digital technologies and their impact labor
productivity and economic growth in the country.
Objectives. Measuring the impact of digital technologies on labor
productivity and economic growth in Russia.
Methodology and Data. The regression estimation was carried out by the
Two-Stage Least Square method. Information and communication
technology (ICT) expenditures and investment in assets aimed at purchasing
ICT equipment were used as input variables. In line with previous authors'
research, the regression equation is supplemented with measures of change
in the ICT sector: ICT infrastructure extent, ICT usage, and ICT consumer
empowerment. The data of Rosstat, the Bank of Russia and the International
Data Corporation were used.
Results. Our results indicate the presence of common properties of ICT
development on labor productivity and economic growth. The statistically
significant impact of ICT Spending and Investment of ICT was found on
labor productivity and economic growth. The influence of ICT infrastructure
development indicators on the studied variables is insignificant. ICT usage
and empowerment are not statistically significant.
Conclusion. The positive impact of the growth of ICT Spending and ICT
Investments on Labor productivity and Economic growth in Russia has been
established. However, the hypothesis about the positive impact of ICT
infrastructure development on these indicators is not confirmed.
Keywords: digital technologies, information and communication
technologies, labor productivity, economic growth.
JEL: E22, E24, O33
1 Introduction
The digital economy is turning from the era of the future into
reality. However, this process is developing unevenly. There is
activity in certain segments of the economic and social life of
people and companies, but the economic effects differ across
countries and regions. Among the main reasons for the high
demand for digital technologies (DT) and Blockchain are called
“the increasing demand for simplification of business processes,
low transaction costs, transparency, continuity, speed, peer-to-
peer interaction of economic entities, almost unlimited number of
use scenarios in any industry” [1].
A quantitative assessment of the processes related to the
development of the digital industry is not yet possible for several
reasons. Firstly, there are no uniform standards and recognized
scientific methods for assessing the level of development and the
economic effect of the introduction of digital technologies.
Secondly, DT introduction processes are implemented primarily
at the enterprise level. And due to the uneven development of
digital technologies in the context of regions and countries, there
are no verifiable statistical data on the level of technology
development, and their direct impact on social and economic
development existent at the macro level. The main indicator for
assessing the level of development of the digital economy among
researchers is the Information and Communication Technologies
(ICT) spending or the share of products manufactured using DT
in the total volume of the country's economy [2-5]. Most
econometric estimates of the impact of ICTs focus on the impact
of these technologies on economic growth and productivity [6-
10]. The results are mixed, with positive, neutral and even
negative impacts of ICT implementation on productivity and
economic growth reported. Estimation of the impact of
digitalization on the social phenomena and integration processes
of all segments of society is difficult due to the lack of high-
quality and homogeneous information.
Some authors propose to assess the level of development of the
digital economy through comparative or competitiveness
analysis. For example, in the (Mukhomorova I.V. et al.) for
assessing the competitiveness of the digital economy are
identified next five directions: “(1) competitiveness of economy
as the territory for doing digital business, (2) competitiveness of
digital products that are manufactured in this economy in the
world markets, (3) competitiveness of economy as a territory of
residence of digital human, (4) competitiveness as the level of
innovativeness of the digital economy and (5) competitiveness as
effectiveness of the digital economy”[11].
In a qualitative aspect, the problems of modernization of
management (QM) associated with digitalization processes are
investigated [12]. Special attention should be paid to studies
aimed at finding answers to social challenges, including
employment [6, 12], problems of inequality [13], education [14]
and various models of implementation and use of ICT [15-17].
There are examples of a comprehensive assessment of the level
of digital competitiveness. Institute for Management
Development (IMD) methodology of the World Digital
Competitiveness (WDC) ranking defines the digital
competitiveness into three main factors (knowledge, technology
and future readiness), comprised from 51 criteria [18]. Have are
differences in digital adoption and digital competitiveness
between developed and developing countries. If for the first
countries the basis of the digital competitiveness of the economy
is a high level of integration of ICT and devices, and an barrier is
the low interest of business in digital modernization, for the
second countries the situation is the opposite, which is associated
with a low level of integration of ICT and devices and a great
interest of business towards digital modernization [5].
Concluding the introduction, we note that today there is no
unified approach to the terminology of digital technology
products. Often we are not yet able to identify as separate
definitions "Digital Technologies" and "Information and
Communication Technologies" [19].
In this study, we will proceed from the principle that the
implementation of ICT is a prerequisite for the development of
the digital economy and has a real impact on economic growth.
Based on the foregoing, the purpose of the study is to measure
the impact of digital technologies on labor productivity and
economic growth in Russia.
The main hypothesis of this study is that the growth of ICT
Spending, Investment of ICT and ICT empowerment are positive
prerequisites for the impact of digitalization on economic growth
and labor productivity.
2 Methodology
Based on the materials of the mentioned studies, we have
identified the most methodologically relevant works [6, 13, 14,
15, 16, 17], where the impact assessment of digital
implementation is implemented at the level of economic growth
and social externalities. Next, we compared data on ICT
implementation using selected authors and settled on the
methodology presented in the work of Evangelista R. et al. [6].
Following this work, the directions of the econometric
assessment of digital implementation (ICT implementation) were
selected for the following indicators:
a) Labor productivity;
b) Growth of GDP per capita;
To optimize the econometric estimate for Russian statistical data,
the HC variable, which reflects the change in the quality of
human capital, is replaced by the ICT variable, which reflects the
change in the ICT-spending. And the variable INV in our model
reflects the change in fixed capital investments aimed at
acquiring ICT.
Thus, to estimate the efficiency of digitalization on the labor
productivity is used the formula:
LPRODit = α0 + α1ICT + α2INV + α3INFRA + α4USAGE +
α5EMPO + éit (1)
where LPROD is the rate of growth of labor productivity
(measured as the ratio of GDP in constant prices to the number of
employees);
ICT - changes in ICT costs,
INV - change in investments in fixed assets aimed at the
acquisition of ICT equipment,
INFRA, USAGE and EMPO - annual changes in digitalization
indicators (respectively "infrastructure", "usage" and
"empowerment").
To estimate the efficiency of digitalization on the economic
growth is used the formula:
GDPPCit = α0 + α1ICT + α2INV + α3INFRA + α4USAGE +
α5EMPO + éit (2)
where GDPPC is the growth rate of GDP per capita (measured as
the ratio of GDP in constant prices to the total population).
The method of calculating the ICT development indicators
(INFRA, USAGE and EMPO) used in the models is adopted
from the [13, pp. 241-245].
Both equations were estimated by the Two Stage Least Squares
(TSLS) method. Heteroscedasticity test consisted using White's
method.
3 Data selection and analysis
Following [13], we have compiled three groups of ICT
development indicators (Table 1).
Table 1. Infrastructure, Usage and Empowerment indexes of
digitalization: sub-dimensions, indicators and data sources
ICT-Infrastructure
Network
1. Broadband penetration rate (mobile+household) (Rosstat)
2. International Internet bandwidth per inhabitant (bit/s) (WDI)
3. Secure Internet servers (1 million people) (WDI)
Affordability
1. Information and communication technology expenditure per capita (WDI)
Availability and quality
1. Internet subscribers fixed broadband per 100 inhabitants (Rosstat)
2. Internet subscribers fixed per 100 inhabitants (Rosstat)
3. Level of Internet access for households (Rosstat)
4. Percentage of households using a broadband connection (Rosstat)
ICT-Usage
Autonomy
1. Percentage of individuals who accessed Internet at home (Rosstat)
Intensity
1. Percentage of individuals who accessed Internet every day or almost
every day (Rosstat)
ICT-Empowerment
Economy
1. Percentage of individuals who used Internet for Internet banking (BoR)
2. Percentage of individuals who ordered goods or services for private use
over the Internet (Rosstat)
Labor
1. Percentage of persons employed using computers connected to the
Internet in their normal routine (Rosstat)
The presented data that participate in the European Digital
Development Index (EDDI) and are freely available on the
website of the Federal State Statistic Service of the Russian
Federation (Rosstat), the Central Bank of the Russian Federation
(BoR) and World Development Indicators (WDI). The missing
data were obtained from the Statistical Digest “Indicators of the
Digital Economy” of the Higher School of Economics
(https://www.hse.ru/primarydata/iio).
Many studies have been devoted to the problem of choosing the
correct indicators for assessing the development of ICT [13, 18,
20, 21], where the authors propose to evaluate the level according
to a wide range of criteria (from 7 to 28). This study is limited to
the indicators that we have at our disposal. A complete set of
indicators in accordance with [11] is available only for the sub-
dimensions "ICT-Infrastructure". There are no indicators of the
“Skills” group for the sub-dimensions "ICT-Usage". And the
sub-dimensions “ICT-empowerment” are recommended to be
assessed by 14 indicators combined into six groups. We have
(Rosstat data) only two indicators combined into the “Economy”
group and one indicator that represents the “Labor” group.
Calculation data indicate a significantly higher level of ICT
development in the period after 2016. In particular, from 2010 to
2019, the growth according to the indicator “International
Internet bandwidth per inhabitant” was 3.6 times, and according
to the indicator “Secure Internet servers per 1 million people” ‒
546 times.
When normalizing data, the authors of [13] use different
methods, which makes could be replicate the methodology in
assessing the DT development in different countries. We took
advantage of this opportunity.To estimate models (1) and (2), we
adjusted the ideal levels of some indicators. Instead of 5, we use
10 as the ideal level for the “International Internet bandwidth per
inhabitant” indicator, and when evaluating the “Secure Internet
servers per 1 million people” indicator, the ideal level grows by 1
unit every year: from 6 in 2010 to 15 in 2019.
The dynamics of development for all three sub-dimensions is
presented in Figures 1-3. The graphs are shown using ideal levels
corresponding to paper [13].
Fig. 1. ICT-Infrastructure index development of Russia, Source:
Authoring
Fig. 2. ICT-Usage development of Russia, Source: Authoring
4,9 5,8 8,4 11,5 11,9 18,4
50,1
139,5
201,2
355,1
0,0
50,0
100,0
150,0
200,0
250,0
300,0
350,0
400,0
2010Y 2011Y 2012Y 2013Y 2014Y 2015Y 2016Y 2017Y 2018Y 2019Y
0,43
0,49
0,61 0,63 0,66 0,70 0,73 0,75 0,80 0,82
0,00
0,10
0,20
0,30
0,40
0,50
0,60
0,70
0,80
0,90
2010Y 2011Y 2012Y 2013Y 2014Y 2015Y 2016Y 2017Y 2018Y 2019Y
Fig. 3. ICT-Empowerment development of Russia, Source:
Authoring
4 Results of estimation
The results of evaluating equations (1) and (2) are presented in
tables 2 and 3, respectively. All models are examined in the
GRETL econometric module. In both models, adequate
coefficients (P-value < 0.05) were obtained in the case of
estimating the equation with a lag of one year for the variables
ICT and INV. This fits into the hypothesis that the effect of the
introduction of new ICTs should manifest itself with a time
delay. Both models successfully passed the Hausman test for the
absence of endogeneity and the consistency of the least squares
estimates. The second round of estimation was performed with
Robust standard errors. In the second cycle as an independent
variables used of ICT Spending and Investment in ICT; as tools:
ICT Spending, ICT Investment, Infrastructure, Usage,
Empowerment and Const.
Contrary to expectations, and in line with most of the literature
on the study of economic growth and labor productivity from the
development of ICT, the results suggest the need for cautious
estimates. Our results indicate that there are common
characteristics of ICT development on labor productivity and
0,31
0,35
0,41 0,45
0,51
0,56
0,61
0,65
0,71 0,73
0,00
0,10
0,20
0,30
0,40
0,50
0,60
0,70
0,80
2010Y 2011Y 2012Y 2013Y 2014Y 2015Y 2016Y 2017Y 2018Y 2019Y
https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/119772/1/MPRA_paper_119772.pdf

You might also like