Click Here & Upgrade PDF Complete Expanded Features Unlimited Pages Documents 7.8 PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATION & LOCAL AUTHORITIES Information plays an important role in the governance (decentralisation of power) process of the country. In this regard, access to information, ICT tools and services form the backbone for governance and citizens participation in national, regional and global affairs. Therefore, provincial and district administrations in collaboration with the Department of Communications shall work closely with Central Government, private sector, civil society and other partners to implement this policy. In this regard, provincial and district administration as well as local authorities are expected to: a) b) c) d) e) f) Deploy and use ICTs in improving citizens participation in national planning and civic matters including Governance systems using ICTs; Implement information dissemination and development planning information systems Attract local initiatives aimed at promoting investments in Community Radio stations, Internet, Computerisation, ICT literacy training etc; Use ICTs to undertake investment promotion activities in various local authorities; and to jump-start the implementation of the decentralisation process through ICTs; Develop Public-Private Partnerships to implement ICT programmes; Mainstream and develop ICT Strategies and Implementation plans in liaison with the Department of Communications. 7.9 TERTIARY AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS In close collaboration with private sector, civil society, Department of Communications and other partners; the nation s colleges, universities and research institutions shall play a significant role in implementing this policy by: a) b) c) d) e) f) Expanding and consolidating the use of ICTs in scientific research and development (R&D) initiatives; Developing the nation s critical human and technical expertise as well as its scientific and industrial research capacity; Active participation in fundamental, applied and cutting-edge ICT-related industrial and scientific research as well as applying the results to facilitate Zambia s development; Mainstreaming the teaching of ICTs in all aspects of the education and training curricula of universities and colleges; Deploying and exploiting ICTs to extend scientific and research facilities and increase access to higher education; Assuming leadership in testing new technologies and to recommend to Government, the private sector and society in general on the appropriate 61