Introducing a collaborative platform for collecting data on broadband & utilization of e-solutions in a locally-owned and ongoing process.

BRaIN is designed to produce both research material used to understand the drivers, barriers and benefits of the digital economy, as well as to prepare action-driven intelligence which decision-makers can use to plan, monitor and fine-tune the implementation of digital economy policies and initiatives. Read more

BRaIN is the framework within which public officials looking to understand, foster and encourage broadband adoption should build their intelligence gathering and sharing effort. By its very nature, BRaIN also enables communities to evaluate the progress and impact of public networks. Read more

BRaIN is:

• The collection of more relevant (both macro and micro) data on digital economy engagement in a consistent manner on a shared platform;

• A web-based ecosystem to enable collaboration and leveraging of knowledge and experience gained from local research initiatives;

• Cost efficiencies and economies of scope and by using technology for effective data collection and analysis.

Value proposition

Organizations should adopt the BRaIN approach if they want to gather, analyze and share highly granular and locationally-specific broadband data – which will enable them to track adoption of broadband and e-solutions, and identify usage gaps and opportunities and areas where adoption support might be required.

In turn, this intelligence will help decision-makers devise the most effective regional competitiveness and economic development strategies, towards:

• Sustained promotion of jobs in competitive local businesses;

• Identification of specific areas and strategies for reducing operating costs, especially for public services, through shared services and more efficient on-line service delivery;

• Updated training and education initiatives for all workers and managers (from digital economy “knowledge workers” to those currently unemployed);

• Promotion of collaboration within and between sectors and other "vertical" structures.

Also, the intelligence will allow decision-makers to evaluate whether (public and private) broadband investments are based on solid business and produce positive economic or community returns, and to foster accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.

Next: Traditional research