Thailand ICT Master Plan (2002-2006). - Nectec

5. Utilization of open source software and local software to account for at least50% of the total software market each year.Plans and activities1.1 To drive ICT industry development by focusing on the local software sector throughpublic and private sector collaboration. Major activities are:(1) Setting up the Software Industry Promotion Board (SIPB), as a joint effortbetween public and private sectors, to drive the establishment of SoftwareIndustry Promotion Agency (SIPA). SIPA management must be flexible anddynamic in order to adjust to changes as well as to respond to entrepreneurrequirement efficiently.(2) Having SIPA define vital directions and measures in the development ofsoftware industry including R&D, taking into consideration opportunitiespresented by open standards, e-logistics applications, and wireless andbroadband technologies.1.2 To support SIPA in building mechanisms for ICT development, as follows:(1) Providing seed money from government funds and other sources such asventure capital, matching funds, and soft loans from banks. This purpose isto set up funds for various purposes such as to support Thai entrepreneursto expand into foreign market, funds to support ICT training, and funds tosupport R&D.(2) Establishing rules and regulation so that such funds are efficiently managedand have mechanisms to allow SMEs to use the funds conveniently and widely.(3) Using an investment policy, when and where appropriate, to motivateinternational software companies to invest in the country with a condition totransfer technology to local entrepreneurs.1.3 To have public and private organizations co-develop the software market for localdevelopers in order to support them in developing and expanding into internationalmarkets, as follows:(1) Government agencies supporting the procurement of local software, and/orproviding local firms with an opportunity to work on larger softwaredevelopment projects.Thailand ICT Master Plan (2002-2006) 7