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The Bled eConference quite often gets connected to the notion of eRegion. Therefore in this paper we will have a closer look at how the idea of an eRegion has been addressed by the conference over the past. After briefly looking at the emergence of the term eRegion, we summarize the contribution of the Bled eConference to the field of eRegion in the Research Track as well as in the Business Track. Whereas in the Research Track contributions have focussed mostly on developing existing regions through ICT means, the Business Track activities tackle especially cross-border challenges between regions.
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The Use of ICT to Support Regional
Developments: Contributions from the
Bled eConference
(Paper: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2089301)
Hans-Dieter Zimmermann
25th Bled eConference, 18. June 2012
www.bledconference.org
Agenda
2
Introduction
The Notion of eRegion
Regional issues addressed in the Research Track
… in the Business Track
Summary and Outlook
Introduction
3
During the last 25 years the Bled eConference has addressed – and is
still addressing – the relationship and impact of ICT and business and
society
Since he beginning of the 90s the ‘e’-terms have been coined
eCommerce and eBusiness
…
eMarketing, eCRM, eHR, etc.
…
eHealth, eGovernment, eDemocracy, eSociety
E-Everything – topic of the 14th Bled eConference in 2001
Introduction
4
One further focus:
Utilizing ICT and especially the Web in a geographical setting with
a focus on the further development and support of defined
geographical areas or regions
The Bled eConference quite often gets connected to the notion of
eRegion
Therefore we will have a closer look of how the idea of an eRegion
has been addressed by the conference in the past
Approach
5
Looking into the papers of the Research Track from 1995 to 2011
Looking at the corresponding activities in the Business Track covering
the years from 2001 to 2011
… based of some great analysis provided by Roger Clarke
The Notion of eRegion
6
Beyond the Bled eConference the term eRegion has not been applied frequently in the literature
Search on databases reveals mostly authors which are closely connected to the Bled eConference
“As a concept, eRegion denotes Information Technology (IT)-supported initiatives that transcend traditional borders and boundaries.”
(Gricar et al. 2007)
eRegion understood as “… an information and communication technology (ICT) supported region. […] From a technological perspective, an eRegion integrates the issues of regional development with the opportunities and challenges coming from the latest technologies” (Gricar 2007, 86).
… adding additional perspectives on eRegion such as the political, academic, or organizational perspectives
The Notion of eRegion
7
eRegion does not refer to political or administrative borders
eRegion refers to a region rather based on similarities such as cultural or historical developments, e.g. based on historical trade relations or common language
Transcending traditional borders is one of the major motivations as well as challenges developing eRegion activities in Europe triggering respective discussions and projects Example: The initiative in the Bodensee area starting in 1994
But: Cross-border attribute reflects a rather European viewpoint
Further motivation: the competitiveness of rural regions
Mainly strategic purposes of eRegion activities
eRegion - Two distinct streams
8
Activities are triggered by the intention to stimulate the adoption of ICT among businesses within a region
Mostly economic focus
Examples: Development and provision of a regional (B2B) portal
Regional programs and activities to support the adoption of ICT in general or of eCommerce applications more specifically
Mainly focused in the Research Track
Activities encourage inter-linkage among regional organisations and institutions in order to provide the basis for future competitive advantages within an eRegion
Examples: ALADIN network, the ALpe ADria INitiative Universities’ Network
Internationale Bodenseehochschule IBH
Mainly focused in the Business Track
Regional issues addressed in the Research Track
9
A total of 18 (16) papers addressing any regional or geographical
aspect presented between 1995 and 2011 have been identified
The term eRegion as such does appear just in one single paper
throughout the Bled eConference proceedings
Addressed regions in …
Australia (10)
UK
Slovenia
Ireland
Singapore
… Temporal Breakdown
10
no specific path of development
… Main Subjects
11
eCommerce (9)
business networks/ communities of practice (3)
mCommerce (1)
broadband infrastructure (1)
Focus on pilots, projects, prototypes, and/ or programs and initiatives
within a certain region
and …
Overall perspective on business and/or regional development
Cross-border issues have not been addressed in papers
12
Most papers conclude a rather positive impact of the different
activities
Only one paper presents the analysis of a failure
Empirical studies have not been presented so far
All papers have applied different methods of qualitative research
… mostly case studies
Regional issues addressed in the Business Track
13
From the 2001 to 2011 around 40 activities
From 2006 to 2008: 20 respective events
Event formats:
Meetings (20)
Panels (13)
Workshops (7)
Contributors from business and government
14
… Main Topics
15
cross border commerce and trade in general (11)
eInvoicing
eProcurement
cross border cooperation in the area of eGovernment
cross border cooperation of universities
rectors’ and dean’s summits
eUniversity forums
Meetings of the ALADIN network (5) (ALpe ADria INitiative Universities’ Network)
Meetings of the eSilk & eAmber Roads Innovative Regions Think Tank (6)
Living Lab workshops (since 2011)
… Main Purposes
16
to exchange and to discuss experiences in cross border activities
to develop new paths for cooperation and activities
in a business context
in an administrative or governmental environment
Summary and Outlook
17
Regional issues have been addressed quite intense on different levels
and from different perspectives such as research, business, and
government and administration
Addressing of the transformation of regions, states including business
related, administrative and educational infrastructures
Natural task of the Bled eConference conference
Open question:
To what extent has the Bled eConference contributed to the
transformation of the country and the region?
… Summary and Outlook
18
Challenges to overcome existing borders
We have the borderless Internet
But:
There are still a lot of political, administrative, and also mental
borders which hinder a closer cooperation of people, businesses,
universities, and governments on local, regional and national areas to
the benefit of a certain region.
One of the follow up activities:
The ‘Inter-Municipality Initiative: Cross-border eCollaboration in the
Danube eRegion’
… Summary and Outlook
19
Missing: Systematic evaluation of activities
Looking at the Business Track activities from a research perspective:
what are the benefits?
More empirical research addressing the topics of the Research Track
eRegion related activities of both tracks could be benefit from each
other
A systematic evaluation would be valuable to allocate future EU
projects and initiatives often funded by tax payers even more
targeted
Contact
Hans-Dieter Zimmermann
FHS St. Gallen University of Applied Sciences
Institute for Information and Process Management IPM-FHS
Teufener Strasse 2, 9000 St. Gallen, Schwitzerland
Tel. +41 71 228 7650
www.esociety.net , @FHS_eSociety
www.fhsg.ch/ipm
www.hdzimmermann.net, blog.hdzimmermann.net, @hdzimmermann
