JORDAN NATIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY (2013-2017) Considerable part of the funding needed for the upgrade of existing communication networks may be generated through the organization of a 4G frequency auction among interested providers to obtain for example a 15 years license. Resources generated through the auction can be allocated to MoICT for upgrading the communications infrastructure. This is common practice in various EU countries (Germany, Sweden and the UK). The United States and Singapore have also reinvested the results of spectrum auctions. Generally, these countries reinvested the financial proceeds of the auctions in Science and Technology Development (including ICT), but often governments provide the results of the auction to the national Treasury. As such, proceeds from any sale of a public good may be earmarked for infrastructure development (possibly take on debt to upgrade national infrastructure and then allocate proceeds to cover the debt). Export Development: Export development is essential to developing sustainable economic growth and job creation. The Jordanian economy is too small and poor at present to fuel substantial economic growth. Exports to larger and/or wealthier countries are required to develop and sustain job creation, as well as sustainably improve company revenues and profitability. Jordanian ICT companies will only be able to export successfully if they are able to develop competitive products and services which have high utility for their intended target markets. High utility (added value) will allow Jordanian companies to charge higher prices with higher profit margins. It is for this reason that ICT companies are recommended to develop working relationships with Jordan’s most competitive knowledge sectors such that they can identify specific needs which can be addressed through ICT product/service development and incorporate the knowledge and experience of the targeted sector. Moreover, the ICT sector can also focus efforts on the development of Arabic language based digital content targeting regional export markets. Stimulating Investment: The Telecommunications sector in Jordan has grown to a great extent because of foreign direct investment (FDI). FDI has been important not only for the investment which it brings but also for the operational expertise which accompanies the investment. If the telecommunications sector is to continue to grow and expand, the GoJ has to develop attractive investment opportunities (partially based on private sector input and initiative) which will continue to attract foreign operators and investors as well as facilitate local domestic investment. Attractive investment opportunities are based not only on the provision and management/operation of new technological infrastructure but also on the development and launching of value adding services. Investment in domestic IT companies should also be promoted. This can be done in cooperation with the JIB and INT@J, when a clear and competitive value proposition can be defined. A value proposition will be easier to define, defend and promote for investment when clear specialized utility can be demonstrated. This will be easier to do after successful intersections with other competitive economic sectors yield useful products and services. Business and Investment Environment: Attracting investment is not only an issue of identifying and promoting lucrative business opportunities but is also intimately related to providing and maintaining a competitive business 19