bridges.org's e-assessment reports:

• Comparison of E-Readiness Assessment Models —describes the various tools that are available and what they measure, including the tools' underlying goals and assumptions which shape their outcomes. With this report, we aim to foster informed decisions about approaches to e-readiness assessment, as national governments consider their IT policies and undertake development initiatives.
• Survey of Who is Doing What and Where —looks at where assessments have already been conducted in the world.
• Consultation report on e-readinessfor the South African Development Community - World Economic Forum — policies and recommendations for improving e-readiness in SADC countries, in a methodology that can be replicated in other areas of the world.
• List of other e-readiness resources and sample assessments - a repository of online tools and resources for e-readiness assessment and understanding the digital divide.

bridges.org's other e-readiness projects

• assessment of Cape Town's digital divide — bridges.org has conducted a comprehensive and ground-breaking assessment of Cape Town, South Africa's digital divide.
• Presentations and tutorials - bridges.org is an active participant in international fora on e-readiness and the digital divide. For example, bridges.org and McConnell International will present a tutorial on moving"From E-Readiness to E-Reality" at INET 2002.

a brief description of e-readiness

With the specter of the growing digital divide looming large, world leaders in government, business, and civil society organizations are harnessing the power of information and communications technology (ICT) for development. They seek to improve their countries' and communities' e-readiness -- the ability for a region to benefit from information and communications technology. It is increasingly clear that for a country to put ICT to effective use, it must be "e-ready" in terms of infrastructure, the accessibility of ICT to the population at large, and the effect of the legal and regulatory framework on ICT use. If the digital divide is going to be narrowed, all of these issues must be addressed in a coherent, achievable strategy that is tailored to meet the local needs of particular countries.

Developing country leaders can use e-readiness assessment to help them measure and plan for ICT integration. It can help them focus their efforts from within, and identify areas where external support or aid is required. But an assessment alone is insufficient, and decision-makers face two key challenges in making effective use of this tool. First, they need to understand how ICT can help their countries achieve economic and social benefits, and set achievable goals accordingly. Second, they must take concrete steps toward effective and sustainable ICT use that will help their countries realize their objectives.

The process of assessing and improving e-readiness comprises four steps:

1. Choosing an appropriate assessment tool based on a clear understanding of national goals for ICT integration.
2. Conducting the e-readiness assessment.
3. Developing a detailed action plan that will move the country toward its objectives.
4. Implementing the plan.

The reports in this section are designed to aid decision makers in each step of the e-readiness assessment and improvement process.

Please feel free tocontact bridges.org for more information. These resources arefree of charge.