Date: 15.05.2004 :: Page: 5 of 5

Goto page: 1 2 3 4 5

Blueprint of an enabling environment

In our point of view the key to success is real private-public-partnership. In general, the IT sector in low cost countries would require, in order to succeed in the global IT outsourcing race;

Progressive government policies and incentives supporting the IT sector domestically as well as providing support and creating enabling environment for IT investment and enterprising in general.

High level of commitment in the private as well as in the public sector

High quality, structured and up-to-date curriculum of (continuous) IT education at any level in any form.

Support for quality certification (ISO, CMM) and company adaptation

Foreign market information as well as a one-stop-shop to the local IT market

High quality and affordable communication infrastructure

World class facilities (technology parks for instance)

Supportive, “easy to navigate” and compatible general business environment

Functioning environment for intellectual property protection

Strong and trusted industry associations and support organizations (Chamber of Commerce, Trade Promotion Organizations, etc.)

United, focused and well planned actions in order to increase the country’s global IT visibility.

A vital key to success is promotion and marketing. Quite a number of countries have a point-in-time agenda to promote their IT sector and offshore capabilities internationally. The activities usually include;

Trade missions and road shows

Trade fair participation

Training and workshop sessions

Often the effectiveness of these events is quite low. Frequently countries support only a trade mission and/or a single trade fair participation during a one year period. As they are point-in-time nature they do not, and can not, provide continuity. Further the planning, preparation, organization, execution, follow-up and assessment lacks the specialized knowledge needed. As a result these events have often limited effect and outreach.

However, in recent years we have seen countries other than India (such as Russia, Romania, China) selecting their target markets (geography) very carefully and executing a planned, long term, integrated marketing approach. They participate at various trade fairs and organize internationally recognized seminars and business briefings. Some of the countries also systematically build their offshore outsourcing capabilities mix as well as global presence and acceptance.

A few countries and the strongest companies have opened their permanent IT representative offices in the USA or Europe providing specialized, knowledgeable, 24x7 marketing facility and presence in the target markets.

Most probably these are the countries and businesses witch will succeed in the global IT offshore outsourcing race.

Goto page: 1 2 3 4 5