Academic literature on the topic 'Telecommunication sector'

The development of information and communication technologies has contributed to the fact that the telecommunication industry has become one of the strategic sectors of the economy on which the functioning of other branches of the economy depends. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the factors that influence the competitiveness of telecommunications companies and shape the image of the future telecommunication sector as a whole. The article analyzes two theoretical approaches to the definition of competitiveness: static and dynamic. Due to the importance of the dynamic approach for determining the competitiveness for the telecommunication market, the main internal and external factors affecting telecommunication companies nowadays and having a significant effect in future were identified. External factors were determined using STEEPV-analysis. For internal factors, the following classification was proposed: technological, organizational and marketing innovations. Among the external factors, the digitalization of the economy and society becomes the most important for telecommunication companies, technological innovations are among the internal factors. The factors revealed during the research can be used for foresight of the telecommunications sector of Russia, the definition of scenario conditions for forecasting the development of information and communication technologies, the formation of a strategic policy of telecommunication companies.

This research aims to determine the influence of each model of balance used for determining the return of shares measured by CAPM and APT in telecommunications sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange period 2016-2018. The data collection method uses purposive sampling. The population used in this research is the stock price on telecommunication telecommunications sectors listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The purpose of this research is to compare the accuracy of Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) in estimating the return of telecommunication stock return. From the results of the Median Absolute Deviation (MAD) value has a small difference. Based on the results of Independent Sample T-Test can be concluded that there is no significant difference between CAPM and APT method in predicting the return of telecommunications stocks return.

Objective - The telecommunications industry in Southeast Asia continues to grow, as evidenced by the market penetration that continues to increase from 3.8% in 2000 to 71.1% in 2017. However, although the number of subscribers and revenue from telecommunication operators continued to grow between 2008 to 2017, the data shows that the EBITDA margin and ARPU value decrease with the growth rate (CAGR) -1.12% and -4.42%. Methodology/Technique - This study measures and analyzes the efficiency of 14 operators in Southeast Asia between 2008 to 2017 by using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method. Findings - The results show that of the 14 telecom operators examined, Telkomsel (Indonesia) was the most efficient operator with an efficiency value of 0.97 and contributed from subscriber and revenue output variables which far exceeded the average of other operators. The most efficient telecommunication companies thereafter were StarHub (Singapore) and SingTel (Singapore) with an efficiency rating of 0.96 and 0.95 as represented from ARPU output variables that far exceeded the average of other operators. Novelty - True Move operators became the telecommunication companies with the lowest efficiency because the value of its output variables (subscribers, revenue and ARPU) was far below average and did not show any positive correlation to its efficiency value. Type of Paper - Empirical. Keywords: Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA); Efficiency; Telecommunication Industry; Southeast Asia. JEL Classification: M1, M10, M19.

The purpose of this research is to know the profitability ratios of telecommunication companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange period 2014-2017, particularly the influence of profitability ratio to stock price of telecommunication company. This research is conducted on twelve telecommunication companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange. The data used are secondary data of financial statements. The analytical technique mobilize multiple linear regression with two dependent variables of ROA and ROE and one free variable of stock price, to test the contribution of variable in influencing the stock price of companies. The results of research on Indonesian telecommunications companies show that the movement of stock prices are not significantly influenced by the value of ROE on Indonesian telecommunications companies. This study found that in the telecommunications company in Indonesia the increased or decreased value of ROA have an influence on the value of the company and the stock price of companies.

The present article evaluates the public policy towards the telecommunication sector in Brazil, taking into consideration the dead scheme of state monopoly and the introduction of processes of privatization, economic liberalization and technological innovation. It is described the increase in direct foreign investments, new forms of technology innovation, introduction of regulatory institutions, goals for investments and scopes of service attendance. Through a wide bibliographical review, data analysis and interviews with specialists, entrepreneurs and public policy makers, it was possible to better understand the role of the public policy on the national technological innovation capabilities in the sector. The results demonstrate that the commercial balance in telecommunication's equipments has increased its deficit as well as the expenses with the foreign technology transfer contracts. The new market structure was achieved mainly due to an elevation of internal prices to international levels and the legislation favorable to the competition among incumbents. It is identified an absence of policies and incentives of the public sector in the telecommunications technology innovation system, allowing an increased Brazilian dependence on foreign supply.

This study aims to determine the effect of Earnings Management, Good Corporate Governance, and Corporate Social Responsibility on the Financial Performance of Companies in Mining Companies in the Coal Sub-sector and Infrastructure in the Telecommunication Sub-sector listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the 2016-2020 period. Earnings Management is measured using Discretionary Accrual. Good Corporate Governance is proxied by IPCG. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is proxied by CSRI. While the company's performance is proxied by Return On Assets (ROA).Sampling by purposive sampling with a total of 20 coal companies and 6 telecommunications companies for the period 2016-2020. This study uses multiple linear regression analysis. Simultaneously Earnings Management, Good Corporate Governance, and Corporate Social Responsibility have a significant effect on Financial Performance in both coal and telecommunications sub-sectors. Good Corporate Governance, Corporate Social Responsibility have a positive and significant effect on financial performance in the coal sub-sector and telecommunications sub-sector. Meanwhile, Earnings Management has no significant positive effect on financial performance in the coal sub-sector. Another finding that earnings management has a negative effect on financial performance and the telecommunications sub-sector and Corporate Social Responsibility has no significant effect.

The turn of the 21st century saw Nigeria liberalize its telecommunications sector with the deregulation of the industry, and the introduction of the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) network platforms in the country. This move had an immediate positive socio-economic impact. Sectors like information technology, banking and finance, online trade, sporting, education, entertainment, security, and healthcare have significantly improved over the years. So far, tens of millions of direct employments have been directly provided via the platform. Furthermore, the country’s GDP attributable to telecommunication has constantly increased since the deregulation of the telecommunication industry. The paradigm shift has since seen the industry grow at a pace faster than most established networks in the world. However, several demerits have also stemmed from this advancement such as cyber-crime, cyber-bullying, blackmailing, and reduced productivity attributed to social media distractions. Even with the apparent progress, it can be concluded that the telecommunication sector is still quite underexploited in Nigeria. The lack of basic infrastructures like constant electricity and accessible road networks across several parts of the country, and the harsh economic policies have severely limited the potential for heightened economic productivity. 

The article presents the results of assessing the level of development of the information and telecommunications sector in Russia's regions. The groups of indicators are presented: indicators of the level of providing human capital; indicators of the level of information and telecommunication technologies used. The studies were carried out using the method of constructing a composite index. A rating assessment of the regions is made on the indicators that have an impact on the level of development of the information and telecommunications sector. The established scatter in the values of indicators for the main blocks in general causes a significant differentiation in the development of the information and telecommunications sector in the regions.

AbstractThe research’s purposes is to analyze Causality between FDI in telecommunication service sector and the empolyment in that sector. The method used are the descriptive and the linear regression through PVECM estimation. The results showed that the FDI in telecommunication service sector in the period of 2000-2016, only concentrated in Java and Bali with an average contribution of 98 percent per year. The PVECM estimation showed that the FDI has a strong two-way relationship with the employment. This means that FDI significantly encourages labor and vice versa. The ECT coefficient showed that the change in FDI due to changes in employment to achieve equilibrium is 89 percent and the change of employment due to changes in FDI by 10 percent per year. Thus, the FDI provides benefits for the employment absorption and the availability of emploment is also an important consideration for investors to invest in Indonesia's telecommunications sector.

Understanding dynamics of daily stock returns provide insight in trading opportunities available in stock markets. The purpose of the study was to examine whether day of the week effect exists in the South African equity market. Daily data from Top 40, All Shares, Basic Materials, Industrials, Consumer Goods, Health Care, Consumer Services, Telecommunications, Financials and Technology indices were collected for period 1995 to 2018. Exponential and threshold generalized auto regressive conditional heteroskedasticity models were employed to analyse day of the week anomaly. Findings of the day of the week for the mean equation revealed a positive Monday effect for aggregate indices namely Top 40 and All shares whilst the sectorial analysis showed a positive Monday effect for Basic materials, Consumer goods, Health care and Telecommunication. Furthermore, the mean equation for day of the week depicted a positive Tuesday effect for Financials sector, positive Wednesday effect for Consumer services sector and Thursday effect for Industrials and Technology sectors. The variance equation highlighted negative Monday effect for Top 40 and All shares as well as Basic materials, Consumer goods, Health care, Consumer services, Telecommunication and Financials sectors. However, Industrials sector indicated a negative Friday effect. The existence of day of the week effect nullifies the efficient market hypothesis in its weak form. In practice, it is recommended that for Mondays investors should invest in Top 40 and All shares, for Tuesday and Wednesday it would be prudent for investors to invest in Financial and Consumer services sectors respectively. Returns for Thursdays are attractive to an investor investing in the Industrial sector. An investor can reduce exposure by diversifying in the Health sector on Monday and in the by Industrial sector on Friday. Unlike previous studies that focussed on aggregate market indices, this study extended the analysis to sectors that constitute the market index.

ABSTRACT Title: Working Capital Management in Telecommunication sector: A case study of VGC telecoms Author: Gbenga Segun Akinwande Supervisor: Anders Hederstierna Department: School of Management, Blekinge Institute of Technology Course: Master’s thesis in business administration, 15 credits (ECTS). Background and Problem Discussion: The efficient management of working capital is very vital for a business survival. This is premised on the fact having too much working capital signifies inefficiency, whereas too little cash at hand signifies that the survival of business is shaky. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to study the working capital management in the small and medium scale businesses, using VGC Telecoms Company as a case study, so as to establish factors influencing working capital performance; examine how cash management, inventory management and trade credit management affects working capital management; company effectiveness in converting working capital to ready money; how working capital management impacts on the problem of slow development and to offer recommendations on possible ways of improving working capital management Method: Literatures bordering on different areas of working capital management were reviewed. Thus, this research employed qualitative and quantitative analysis; and semi- structured questions were drafted based on the issues raised from the review of various literatures. In addition, materials from journal articles, textbooks, working papers and industry practitioners are put into consideration. The use of internet and e-mails to send out questions were explored where appropriate. Analysis on the company’s financial statement was carried out in order to verify my findings. Theory: In this research, the theory section looks at various concepts that come up when analyzing the consequences of working capital management for company value and the factors that influence a company’s working capital management performance. I have therefore chosen the most common concept for the theory section. I have also tried to create a theoretical understanding for the company’s sensitivity to a workable WCM policy Analysis: In the analysis of the research findings, I employed qualitative approach to the data analysis whereby the impacts of the poor WCM on the company were discussed in depth. Conclusion: The findings corroborate the postulation of Weston et al that a company’s investment in working capital is a substantial percentage of its total investment. In case of VGC Telecoms, it is as high as 65 percent. An inefficient and ineffective management of this investment will result in slow pace of development and ultimately to the business failure. The performances of the company in the different spheres of working capital management were scored as follows:- • Cash management – 65.4 percent • Inventory management - 78.6 percent • Trade credit management and financing decisions - 60.0 percent This is an average performance of 68 percent. That is, the company’s performance is above average. This is a good performance. The financial statements as interpreted reinforce the validity of this result. The liquidity ratios are high; the collection period is short; and the cash cycle is not quite expansive. This makes it possible to sustain sufficient cash flow for the smooth running of the business. The management of working capital impacts on liquidity, investment portfolio and profitability. All these three factors are decisive in the growth or failure of a business. Hence, good performances in working capital management affects these decisive factors favourably and thus, contribute to growth and success of the business.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2002.
Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xxi, 477 p.; also includes graphics (some col.). Includes abstract and vita. Co-advisors: Susan Kline and Rohan Samarajiva, School of Journalism and Communication. 590 Also on microfiche. 6 sheets. Includes bibliographical references (p. 451-477).

National Telecommunications policies have been differentiated together with the extension of international trade, increasing importance of information in trade and the convergence of telecommunications, broadcasting and computing sectors. with the influence of these global factors, the subject of this thesis is the study of Mexican and Turkish national telecommunications policies regarding with the deregulation in telecommmunications service sector.

Mestrado em Economia Monetária e Financeira
O objetivo desta dissertação é estudar se a evolução do sector das telecomunicações tem qualquer impacto significativo no crescimento económico de Portugal e outras regiões do mundo. O sector das telecomunicações é um dos sectores que ganharam um papel relevante no desenvolvimento económico mundial. O reconhecimento deste sector tem aumentado desde os anos 90, com o desenvolvimento de várias tecnologias que contribuem para a subida do consumo deste tipo de bem, a evolução da sua estrutura e dinâmica. Países equipados com os sistemas de telecomunicações mais avançados conseguiram evoluir rapidamente para uma era pós-industrial, com o crescimento económico baseado na informação. Neste trabalho, a metodologia utilizada é a de dados de painel, com uma análise empírica dos mercados desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento nas últimas duas décadas.
The objective of this work is to study whether the evolution of the telecommunication sector has any significant impact in the economic growth of Portugal and other regions of the world. The telecommunications sector is one of the sectors that gained a relevant role in economic development worldwide. The acknowledgement of this sector has increased since the 90?s, with the development of several technologies that contribute to the rising of the consumption of this type of good and the evolution of its dynamic and structure. Countries equipped with the more advanced telecommunications systems have been rapidly moving into post-industrial, information-based economic growth. In this work the methodology used is panel data, with an empirical analysis of both developed and developing economies in the past two decades.
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This thesis will look at what marketing channels to be used and what type, or types of marketing message for a vertical diversification into managed services. A diversification from a goods only company into both a goods and services company. It looks at this marketing challange in the telecommunication sector within the English market. This thesis is part of the Marketing MBA program at University of Gävle.

AtkinsonThis study explores Work Life Balance (WLB) in two Palestinian organisations. It argues that the nature and content of WLB policies and the reasons for their adoption in many Arabic organisations differ from those in Western organisations. Additionally, research is under-developed concerning the role of line managers in interpreting access to WLB practices, and to what extent such WLB practices are accessed and utilised by individuals. Based on a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with 49 employees and managers, this study shows that WLB policies involve, particularly for female employees, mainly family support, and financial, social, and religious benefits. These reflect cultural and religious characteristics of an Arab, Islamic country. In addition to identifying the role of government, and the needs of a female workforce, this study develops a new theoretical framework explaining the role of religious and cultural variables, as well as international networking of the organisations, as factors underlying adoption of WLB policies. Line managers often used Wasta, being the political and religious origin of individuals as criteria in granting benefits to individuals. WLB practices are useful for women, but males made less use of these practices, preferring strong ‘breadwinner Arabic cultural norms. A valuable contribution in understanding the extension of WLB policies in Arabic settings is offered, as well as cultural, social and religious reasons for their implementation. The study presents a theoretical model of the adoption and application of WLB policies which can be used in further crosscultural research.

Even though international cooperation traditionally is a concept encountered in public international law, it has an important role to play in the private satellite communications sector. Satellite communications being activities that intrinsically have a global outreach, mutatis mutandis they require legal rules that would not focus on purely regional or local interests. National and international space law have for the past decade encountered criticism with respect to obvious insufficiencies that in turn affected space activities. The first reaction of learned space lawyers was to call for some redrafting of international space law. A second thought about it had them take into account national legislation in this possible harmonization process, but in any case this was to primarily be of concern for States.
However, the new millennium has brought its share of intellectual renewal and in the field of space law it has been translated in the acknowledgement that the private sector would have an important role to play, on the international scene, for the improvement of space law. It is this new legal thinking that has been characterized as "international cooperation" as applied to the private sector, that is the subject of this study. Hence, what is looked at is the position of the satellite communications sector on the international scene and what expertise it has to share with public fora for the overall improvement of space law and space activities.

The phenomenon of wasta is a controversial topic because of its cultural and social contexts. It is considered as an important indigenous form of informal influence in Saudi society. Recently, the use of wasta has become more common in human resource practices (recruitment, promotion, and training) in Saudi organizations. As a result of such practices, wasta is the primary factor in deciding who obtains a job, promotion, and training. However, studies analysing the impact of wasta on management practices remain limited and most them do not address it systematically. Therefore, this research seeks to fill the gap in the literature pertaining to the various forms of wasta as practiced in Saudi Arabia in order to build a better understanding of its process, practices and impacts. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with 30 male Saudi employees and managers employed by two telecommunication companies in Saudi Arabia. This is the first study in this respect; no other study to date has discussed what forms wasta takes in Saudi society and the importance of the waseet (middleman) on the outcome of gaining jobs, promotion and training. This study suggests three models relating to the wasta practices: wasta based on one middleman, wasta based on multi-middlemen, and wasta based on the blood connection. The study also shows that wasta inside the company is more effective than when the waseet is operating outside the company and the position and power of the middleman are important factors on the outcome of wasta. Furthermore, this study reveals that wasta negatively impacts on human resource procedures by undermining policies in three ways: bias of implementation; intervention; and ambiguity in policies. The findings of this study could help the authorities eliminate or at least reduce the influence of wasta on human resource management decisions.

The current paper deals with the information and legal support of information security in the transport sector in the context of digital development. Thus, the development of information and telecommunication technologies and the digitalization of public relations have also affected the field of transport and transport services. There have appeared not only new Транспортное право и безопасность. 2021. № 3(39) 148 transportation means, such as unmanned aircraft, but there are also being introduced information systems related to the identification of passengers in transport. The development of electronic interaction between various subjects of information exchange in transport is a consequence of the global digitalization of public relations, which creates certain risks of enforcing information security, a threat to the information transport infrastructure.

This rapid review synthesises evidence on the current size of the digital market, the countries promoting development of digital business and their approach through Trade Policies or Incentive Frameworks, and the current and potential size of the market with the UK / China / US / other significant countries. It draws on a variety of sources, including reports by international organisations (such as the World Bank and OECD), grey literature produced by think tanks and the private sector, and peer reviewed academic papers. A high proportion of estimates of the size of the digital economy come from research conducted by or for corporations and industry bodies, such as Google and the GSMA (which represents the telecommunications industry). Their research may be influenced by their business interests, the methodologies and data sources they utilise are often opaque, and the information required to critically assess findings is sometimes missing. Given this, the estimates presented in this review are best seen as ballpark figures rather than precise measurements. A limitation of this rapid evidence review stems from the lack of consistent methodologies for estimating the size of the digital economy. The OECD is attempting to develop a standard approach to measuring the digital economy across the national accounts of the G20, but this has not yet been finalised. This makes comparing the results of different studies very challenging. The problem is particularly stark in low income countries, where there are frequently huge gaps in the relevant data.

Information security and associated vulnerabilities have long been a pressing challenge, from the fundamental scientific backstage to the frontline across the most diverse sectors of society. At the tip of the iceberg of this problem, the citizens immediately feel that the reservation of privacy and the degradation of the quality and security of the information and communication on which they depend for the day-to-day activities, already of crucial relevance, are at stake. Naturally though, the challenges do not end there. There is a whole infrastructure for storing information, processing and communication, whose security and reliability depend on key sectors gearing modern society – such as emergency communication systems (medical, civil and environmental protection, among others), transportation and geographic information, the financial communications systems at the backbone of day-to-day transactions, the information and telecommunications systems in general. And crucially the entire defence ecosystem that in essence is a stalwart in preventing our civilisation to self-annihilate in full fulfilment of the second principle of thermodynamics. The relevance of the problem further encompasses the preservation of crucial values such as the right to information, security and integrity of democratic processes, internal administration, justice, defence and sovereignty, ranging from the well-being of the citizen to the security of the nation and beyond. In the present communication, we take a look at how to scientifically and technically empower society to address these challenges, with the hope and pragmatism enabled by our emerging pathways in information physics and complexity. Edging beyond classical and quantum frontiers and their vulnerabilities to unveil new principles, methodologies and technologies at the core of the next generation system dynamic intelligence and security. To illustrate the concepts and tools, rather than going down the road of engineered systems that we can ultimately control, we take aim at the bewildering complexity of nature, deciphering new secrets in the mathematical codex underlying its complex coevolutionary phenomena that so heavily impact our lives, and ultimately bringing out novel insights, methods and technologies that propel information physics and security beyond quantum frontiers.

1.1 Macroeconomic summary Economic recovery has consistently outperformed the technical staff’s expectations following a steep decline in activity in the second quarter of 2020. At the same time, total and core inflation rates have fallen and remain at low levels, suggesting that a significant element of the reactivation of Colombia’s economy has been related to recovery in potential GDP. This would support the technical staff’s diagnosis of weak aggregate demand and ample excess capacity. The most recently available data on 2020 growth suggests a contraction in economic activity of 6.8%, lower than estimates from January’s Monetary Policy Report (-7.2%). High-frequency indicators suggest that economic performance was significantly more dynamic than expected in January, despite mobility restrictions and quarantine measures. This has also come amid declines in total and core inflation, the latter of which was below January projections if controlling for certain relative price changes. This suggests that the unexpected strength of recent growth contains elements of demand, and that excess capacity, while significant, could be lower than previously estimated. Nevertheless, uncertainty over the measurement of excess capacity continues to be unusually high and marked both by variations in the way different economic sectors and spending components have been affected by the pandemic, and by uneven price behavior. The size of excess capacity, and in particular the evolution of the pandemic in forthcoming quarters, constitute substantial risks to the macroeconomic forecast presented in this report. Despite the unexpected strength of the recovery, the technical staff continues to project ample excess capacity that is expected to remain on the forecast horizon, alongside core inflation that will likely remain below the target. Domestic demand remains below 2019 levels amid unusually significant uncertainty over the size of excess capacity in the economy. High national unemployment (14.6% for February 2021) reflects a loose labor market, while observed total and core inflation continue to be below 2%. Inflationary pressures from the exchange rate are expected to continue to be low, with relatively little pass-through on inflation. This would be compatible with a negative output gap. Excess productive capacity and the expectation of core inflation below the 3% target on the forecast horizon provide a basis for an expansive monetary policy posture. The technical staff’s assessment of certain shocks and their expected effects on the economy, as well as the presence of several sources of uncertainty and related assumptions about their potential macroeconomic impacts, remain a feature of this report. The coronavirus pandemic, in particular, continues to affect the public health environment, and the reopening of Colombia’s economy remains incomplete. The technical staff’s assessment is that the COVID-19 shock has affected both aggregate demand and supply, but that the impact on demand has been deeper and more persistent. Given this persistence, the central forecast accounts for a gradual tightening of the output gap in the absence of new waves of contagion, and as vaccination campaigns progress. The central forecast continues to include an expected increase of total and core inflation rates in the second quarter of 2021, alongside the lapse of the temporary price relief measures put in place in 2020. Additional COVID-19 outbreaks (of uncertain duration and intensity) represent a significant risk factor that could affect these projections. Additionally, the forecast continues to include an upward trend in sovereign risk premiums, reflected by higher levels of public debt that in the wake of the pandemic are likely to persist on the forecast horizon, even in the context of a fiscal adjustment. At the same time, the projection accounts for the shortterm effects on private domestic demand from a fiscal adjustment along the lines of the one currently being proposed by the national government. This would be compatible with a gradual recovery of private domestic demand in 2022. The size and characteristics of the fiscal adjustment that is ultimately implemented, as well as the corresponding market response, represent another source of forecast uncertainty. Newly available information offers evidence of the potential for significant changes to the macroeconomic scenario, though without altering the general diagnosis described above. The most recent data on inflation, growth, fiscal policy, and international financial conditions suggests a more dynamic economy than previously expected. However, a third wave of the pandemic has delayed the re-opening of Colombia’s economy and brought with it a deceleration in economic activity. Detailed descriptions of these considerations and subsequent changes to the macroeconomic forecast are presented below. The expected annual decline in GDP (-0.3%) in the first quarter of 2021 appears to have been less pronounced than projected in January (-4.8%). Partial closures in January to address a second wave of COVID-19 appear to have had a less significant negative impact on the economy than previously estimated. This is reflected in figures related to mobility, energy demand, industry and retail sales, foreign trade, commercial transactions from selected banks, and the national statistics agency’s (DANE) economic tracking indicator (ISE). Output is now expected to have declined annually in the first quarter by 0.3%. Private consumption likely continued to recover, registering levels somewhat above those from the previous year, while public consumption likely increased significantly. While a recovery in investment in both housing and in other buildings and structures is expected, overall investment levels in this case likely continued to be low, and gross fixed capital formation is expected to continue to show significant annual declines. Imports likely recovered to again outpace exports, though both are expected to register significant annual declines. Economic activity that outpaced projections, an increase in oil prices and other export products, and an expected increase in public spending this year account for the upward revision to the 2021 growth forecast (from 4.6% with a range between 2% and 6% in January, to 6.0% with a range between 3% and 7% in April). As a result, the output gap is expected to be smaller and to tighten more rapidly than projected in the previous report, though it is still expected to remain in negative territory on the forecast horizon. Wide forecast intervals reflect the fact that the future evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic remains a significant source of uncertainty on these projections. The delay in the recovery of economic activity as a result of the resurgence of COVID-19 in the first quarter appears to have been less significant than projected in the January report. The central forecast scenario expects this improved performance to continue in 2021 alongside increased consumer and business confidence. Low real interest rates and an active credit supply would also support this dynamic, and the overall conditions would be expected to spur a recovery in consumption and investment. Increased growth in public spending and public works based on the national government’s spending plan (Plan Financiero del Gobierno) are other factors to consider. Additionally, an expected recovery in global demand and higher projected prices for oil and coffee would further contribute to improved external revenues and would favor investment, in particular in the oil sector. Given the above, the technical staff’s 2021 growth forecast has been revised upward from 4.6% in January (range from 2% to 6%) to 6.0% in April (range from 3% to 7%). These projections account for the potential for the third wave of COVID-19 to have a larger and more persistent effect on the economy than the previous wave, while also supposing that there will not be any additional significant waves of the pandemic and that mobility restrictions will be relaxed as a result. Economic growth in 2022 is expected to be 3%, with a range between 1% and 5%. This figure would be lower than projected in the January report (3.6% with a range between 2% and 6%), due to a higher base of comparison given the upward revision to expected GDP in 2021. This forecast also takes into account the likely effects on private demand of a fiscal adjustment of the size currently being proposed by the national government, and which would come into effect in 2022. Excess in productive capacity is now expected to be lower than estimated in January but continues to be significant and affected by high levels of uncertainty, as reflected in the wide forecast intervals. The possibility of new waves of the virus (of uncertain intensity and duration) represents a significant downward risk to projected GDP growth, and is signaled by the lower limits of the ranges provided in this report. Inflation (1.51%) and inflation excluding food and regulated items (0.94%) declined in March compared to December, continuing below the 3% target. The decline in inflation in this period was below projections, explained in large part by unanticipated increases in the costs of certain foods (3.92%) and regulated items (1.52%). An increase in international food and shipping prices, increased foreign demand for beef, and specific upward pressures on perishable food supplies appear to explain a lower-than-expected deceleration in the consumer price index (CPI) for foods. An unexpected increase in regulated items prices came amid unanticipated increases in international fuel prices, on some utilities rates, and for regulated education prices. The decline in annual inflation excluding food and regulated items between December and March was in line with projections from January, though this included downward pressure from a significant reduction in telecommunications rates due to the imminent entry of a new operator. When controlling for the effects of this relative price change, inflation excluding food and regulated items exceeds levels forecast in the previous report. Within this indicator of core inflation, the CPI for goods (1.05%) accelerated due to a reversion of the effects of the VAT-free day in November, which was largely accounted for in February, and possibly by the transmission of a recent depreciation of the peso on domestic prices for certain items (electric and household appliances). For their part, services prices decelerated and showed the lowest rate of annual growth (0.89%) among the large consumer baskets in the CPI. Within the services basket, the annual change in rental prices continued to decline, while those services that continue to experience the most significant restrictions on returning to normal operations (tourism, cinemas, nightlife, etc.) continued to register significant price declines. As previously mentioned, telephone rates also fell significantly due to increased competition in the market. Total inflation is expected to continue to be affected by ample excesses in productive capacity for the remainder of 2021 and 2022, though less so than projected in January. As a result, convergence to the inflation target is now expected to be somewhat faster than estimated in the previous report, assuming the absence of significant additional outbreaks of COVID-19. The technical staff’s year-end inflation projections for 2021 and 2022 have increased, suggesting figures around 3% due largely to variation in food and regulated items prices. The projection for inflation excluding food and regulated items also increased, but remains below 3%. Price relief measures on indirect taxes implemented in 2020 are expected to lapse in the second quarter of 2021, generating a one-off effect on prices and temporarily affecting inflation excluding food and regulated items. However, indexation to low levels of past inflation, weak demand, and ample excess productive capacity are expected to keep core inflation below the target, near 2.3% at the end of 2021 (previously 2.1%). The reversion in 2021 of the effects of some price relief measures on utility rates from 2020 should lead to an increase in the CPI for regulated items in the second half of this year. Annual price changes are now expected to be higher than estimated in the January report due to an increased expected path for fuel prices and unanticipated increases in regulated education prices. The projection for the CPI for foods has increased compared to the previous report, taking into account certain factors that were not anticipated in January (a less favorable agricultural cycle, increased pressure from international prices, and transport costs). Given the above, year-end annual inflation for 2021 and 2022 is now expected to be 3% and 2.8%, respectively, which would be above projections from January (2.3% and 2,7%). For its part, expected inflation based on analyst surveys suggests year-end inflation in 2021 and 2022 of 2.8% and 3.1%, respectively. There remains significant uncertainty surrounding the inflation forecasts included in this report due to several factors: 1) the evolution of the pandemic; 2) the difficulty in evaluating the size and persistence of excess productive capacity; 3) the timing and manner in which price relief measures will lapse; and 4) the future behavior of food prices. Projected 2021 growth in foreign demand (4.4% to 5.2%) and the supposed average oil price (USD 53 to USD 61 per Brent benchmark barrel) were both revised upward. An increase in long-term international interest rates has been reflected in a depreciation of the peso and could result in relatively tighter external financial conditions for emerging market economies, including Colombia. Average growth among Colombia’s trade partners was greater than expected in the fourth quarter of 2020. This, together with a sizable fiscal stimulus approved in the United States and the onset of a massive global vaccination campaign, largely explains the projected increase in foreign demand growth in 2021. The resilience of the goods market in the face of global crisis and an expected normalization in international trade are additional factors. These considerations and the expected continuation of a gradual reduction of mobility restrictions abroad suggest that Colombia’s trade partners could grow on average by 5.2% in 2021 and around 3.4% in 2022. The improved prospects for global economic growth have led to an increase in current and expected oil prices. Production interruptions due to a heavy winter, reduced inventories, and increased supply restrictions instituted by producing countries have also contributed to the increase. Meanwhile, market forecasts and recent Federal Reserve pronouncements suggest that the benchmark interest rate in the U.S. will remain stable for the next two years. Nevertheless, a significant increase in public spending in the country has fostered expectations for greater growth and inflation, as well as increased uncertainty over the moment in which a normalization of monetary policy might begin. This has been reflected in an increase in long-term interest rates. In this context, emerging market economies in the region, including Colombia, have registered increases in sovereign risk premiums and long-term domestic interest rates, and a depreciation of local currencies against the dollar. Recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in several of these economies; limits on vaccine supply and the slow pace of immunization campaigns in some countries; a significant increase in public debt; and tensions between the United States and China, among other factors, all add to a high level of uncertainty surrounding interest rate spreads, external financing conditions, and the future performance of risk premiums. The impact that this environment could have on the exchange rate and on domestic financing conditions represent risks to the macroeconomic and monetary policy forecasts. Domestic financial conditions continue to favor recovery in economic activity. The transmission of reductions to the policy interest rate on credit rates has been significant. The banking portfolio continues to recover amid circumstances that have affected both the supply and demand for loans, and in which some credit risks have materialized. Preferential and ordinary commercial interest rates have fallen to a similar degree as the benchmark interest rate. As is generally the case, this transmission has come at a slower pace for consumer credit rates, and has been further delayed in the case of mortgage rates. Commercial credit levels stabilized above pre-pandemic levels in March, following an increase resulting from significant liquidity requirements for businesses in the second quarter of 2020. The consumer credit portfolio continued to recover and has now surpassed February 2020 levels, though overall growth in the portfolio remains low. At the same time, portfolio projections and default indicators have increased, and credit establishment earnings have come down. Despite this, credit disbursements continue to recover and solvency indicators remain well above regulatory minimums. 1.2 Monetary policy decision In its meetings in March and April the BDBR left the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.75%.

This report maps the African landscape of Open Science – with a focus on Open Data as a sub-set of Open Science. Data to inform the landscape study were collected through a variety of methods, including surveys, desk research, engagement with a community of practice, networking with stakeholders, participation in conferences, case study presentations, and workshops hosted. Although the majority of African countries (35 of 54) demonstrates commitment to science through its investment in research and development (R&D), academies of science, ministries of science and technology, policies, recognition of research, and participation in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), the following countries demonstrate the highest commitment and political willingness to invest in science: Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. In addition to existing policies in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), the following countries have made progress towards Open Data policies: Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, South Africa and Uganda. Only two African countries (Kenya and South Africa) at this stage contribute 0.8% of its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to R&D (Research and Development), which is the closest to the AU’s (African Union’s) suggested 1%. Countries such as Lesotho and Madagascar ranked as 0%, while the R&D expenditure for 24 African countries is unknown. In addition to this, science globally has become fully dependent on stable ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) infrastructure, which includes connectivity/bandwidth, high performance computing facilities and data services. This is especially applicable since countries globally are finding themselves in the midst of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), which is not only “about” data, but which “is” data. According to an article1 by Alan Marcus (2015) (Senior Director, Head of Information Technology and Telecommunications Industries, World Economic Forum), “At its core, data represents a post-industrial opportunity. Its uses have unprecedented complexity, velocity and global reach. As digital communications become ubiquitous, data will rule in a world where nearly everyone and everything is connected in real time. That will require a highly reliable, secure and available infrastructure at its core, and innovation at the edge.” Every industry is affected as part of this revolution – also science. An important component of the digital transformation is “trust” – people must be able to trust that governments and all other industries (including the science sector), adequately handle and protect their data. This requires accountability on a global level, and digital industries must embrace the change and go for a higher standard of protection. “This will reassure consumers and citizens, benefitting the whole digital economy”, says Marcus. A stable and secure information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure – currently provided by the National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) – is key to advance collaboration in science. The AfricaConnect2 project (AfricaConnect (2012–2014) and AfricaConnect2 (2016–2018)) through establishing connectivity between National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), is planning to roll out AfricaConnect3 by the end of 2019. The concern however is that selected African governments (with the exception of a few countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Ethiopia and others) have low awareness of the impact the Internet has today on all societal levels, how much ICT (and the 4th Industrial Revolution) have affected research, and the added value an NREN can bring to higher education and research in addressing the respective needs, which is far more complex than simply providing connectivity. Apart from more commitment and investment in R&D, African governments – to become and remain part of the 4th Industrial Revolution – have no option other than to acknowledge and commit to the role NRENs play in advancing science towards addressing the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals). For successful collaboration and direction, it is fundamental that policies within one country are aligned with one another. Alignment on continental level is crucial for the future Pan-African African Open Science Platform to be successful. Both the HIPSSA ((Harmonization of ICT Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa)3 project and WATRA (the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly)4, have made progress towards the regulation of the telecom sector, and in particular of bottlenecks which curb the development of competition among ISPs. A study under HIPSSA identified potential bottlenecks in access at an affordable price to the international capacity of submarine cables and suggested means and tools used by regulators to remedy them. Work on the recommended measures and making them operational continues in collaboration with WATRA. In addition to sufficient bandwidth and connectivity, high-performance computing facilities and services in support of data sharing are also required. The South African National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System5 (NICIS) has made great progress in planning and setting up a cyberinfrastructure ecosystem in support of collaborative science and data sharing. The regional Southern African Development Community6 (SADC) Cyber-infrastructure Framework provides a valuable roadmap towards high-speed Internet, developing human capacity and skills in ICT technologies, high- performance computing and more. The following countries have been identified as having high-performance computing facilities, some as a result of the Square Kilometre Array7 (SKA) partnership: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zambia. More and more NRENs – especially the Level 6 NRENs 8 (Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, and recently Zambia) – are exploring offering additional services; also in support of data sharing and transfer. The following NRENs already allow for running data-intensive applications and sharing of high-end computing assets, bio-modelling and computation on high-performance/ supercomputers: KENET (Kenya), TENET (South Africa), RENU (Uganda), ZAMREN (Zambia), EUN (Egypt) and ARN (Algeria). Fifteen higher education training institutions from eight African countries (Botswana, Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, and Tanzania) have been identified as offering formal courses on data science. In addition to formal degrees, a number of international short courses have been developed and free international online courses are also available as an option to build capacity and integrate as part of curricula. The small number of higher education or research intensive institutions offering data science is however insufficient, and there is a desperate need for more training in data science. The CODATA-RDA Schools of Research Data Science aim at addressing the continental need for foundational data skills across all disciplines, along with training conducted by The Carpentries 9 programme (specifically Data Carpentry 10 ). Thus far, CODATA-RDA schools in collaboration with AOSP, integrating content from Data Carpentry, were presented in Rwanda (in 2018), and during17-29 June 2019, in Ethiopia. Awareness regarding Open Science (including Open Data) is evident through the 12 Open Science-related Open Access/Open Data/Open Science declarations and agreements endorsed or signed by African governments; 200 Open Access journals from Africa registered on the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ); 174 Open Access institutional research repositories registered on openDOAR (Directory of Open Access Repositories); 33 Open Access/Open Science policies registered on ROARMAP (Registry of Open Access Repository Mandates and Policies); 24 data repositories registered with the Registry of Data Repositories (re3data.org) (although the pilot project identified 66 research data repositories); and one data repository assigned the CoreTrustSeal. Although this is a start, far more needs to be done to align African data curation and research practices with global standards. Funding to conduct research remains a challenge. African researchers mostly fund their own research, and there are little incentives for them to make their research and accompanying data sets openly accessible. Funding and peer recognition, along with an enabling research environment conducive for research, are regarded as major incentives. The landscape report concludes with a number of concerns towards sharing research data openly, as well as challenges in terms of Open Data policy, ICT infrastructure supportive of data sharing, capacity building, lack of skills, and the need for incentives. Although great progress has been made in terms of Open Science and Open Data practices, more awareness needs to be created and further advocacy efforts are required for buy-in from African governments. A federated African Open Science Platform (AOSP) will not only encourage more collaboration among researchers in addressing the SDGs, but it will also benefit the many stakeholders identified as part of the pilot phase. The time is now, for governments in Africa, to acknowledge the important role of science in general, but specifically Open Science and Open Data, through developing and aligning the relevant policies, investing in an ICT infrastructure conducive for data sharing through committing funding to making NRENs financially sustainable, incentivising open research practices by scientists, and creating opportunities for more scientists and stakeholders across all disciplines to be trained in data management.