Publication Title: Smart Bangladesh Situation Analysis: Key Indicators and Priorities for Achieving Them
Identification of indicators, understanding baseline situation and setting milestones for ICT industry, Digital commerce, Freelancing, Entrepreneurship, and Startup Ecosystems in context of the Smart Bangladesh Agenda
Project timeline: February – April, 2024
Partners:
- Aspire to Innovate (a2i) Programme, ICT Division, Government of Bangladesh
- Cabinet Division
- UNDP Bangladesh
Project objective: To conduct a comprehensive situation analysis of the current state of key thematic areas aligned with the SMART Bangladesh Vision 2041 and to identify indicators, challenges, and opportunities across the four SMART pillars – Smart Economy, Smart Society, Smart Governance, and Smart Citizens.
Project outcome:
- Developed a milestone-based analysis framework for tracking progress toward Smart Bangladesh 2041
- Produced area-specific reports and one consolidated Master Report
- Identified indicators and analyzed their measurability
- Collected and synthesized data through literature reviews, consultations, and interviews
- Proposed strategic recommendations for achieving the SMART milestones
Locations the project served: Nationwide – covering multiple sectors and ministries across Bangladesh under 15 sub-committees aligned with SMART pillars.
Impact:
- Provided a baseline reference to guide policy direction for Smart Bangladesh
- Enhanced stakeholder understanding of current progress and gaps
- Facilitated inter-ministerial coordination through shared findings and consulted with private sector actors like BASIS (Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services), BACCO (Bangladesh Association of Call Center and Outsourcing), e-Cab (e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh), etc.
- Strengthened data-driven planning and policy formulation for digital transformation
- Offered a roadmap for monitoring milestone achievements leading up to 2041