Information Technology, Policy for International Competitiveness

The issue: The minister of economic affairs of a Swiss state was concerned that if the government did not take the initiative with regard to developing adequate Information Technology infrastructure and services, the state would loose part of its economic competitive advantage and become weak in attracting companies, international events and foreign direct investment. He wanted to insure that the region would remain attractive and competitive by defining the state’s policy in this domain and by implementing the options that would be retained.

What we did: Pioneers supported the minister in designing alternative policies and in selecting an adequate model with regard to the state’s role in the information society. Our consultants analyzed market trends and customer needs. On the basis of this analysis our team defined alternative scenarios which included infrastructure, services and content issues. Pioneers helped to formulate the respective governmental policies and business plans and further supported the government in implementing its policy by writing the adequate international Requests for Proposals.

The results: The government’s policy making process and resolve caused larges Information Technology corporations to rapidly invest in the regional infrastructure before the market would by seized by the state. The region has now an outstanding
infrastructure and is among those European regions with many multinational companies’ headquarters and highest foreign direct investment.