Endless consultations are causing the city to lag behind, industry leaders say
Hong Kong might lag behind most developed cities in information and communication technology if the government continues to conduct 'endless' consultations instead of implementing specific policies, industry leaders said yesterday.
The criticism came as the government started its latest round of consultation on its updated Digital 21 Strategy, first released in 1998 as a blueprint for developing information and communication technology in Hong Kong.
The strategy is updated every three years and goes through a two-month consultation each time.
Internet Service Providers Association chairman York Mok Sui-wah said the city was lagging behind regional competitors such as Singapore and Taipei in such development, despite Hong Kong having 66 per cent penetration in the broadband market. 'The endless consultation has made us lag behind,' he said.
Deputy government chief information officer Linda So Ka-pik said the strategy for next year would encourage discussion in five areas - facilitating a digital economy, promoting advanced technology and innovation, developing the city as a technology and trade hub, updating electronic public services and building an inclusive, knowledge-based society.
Chief information officer Howard Dickson said the draft was not a proposal with specific details for consultation.