Outlook 2003 - more than just a program

12 February 2003 News

Roger Dawes, executive director of the Electronics Industry Federation offers his views on 2003.

Strange but true: the effect of the global recession, particularly in the ICT arena, has had a very positive effect on SA practitioners. Whilst many companies have become 'leaner', the outflow into the job market of skilled professionals has resulted in an increasing number of entrepreneurs, ready to 'go it alone', and be 'meaner' if necessary. Having learnt the corporate lessons, they are hungry for new business, expanding from initial niche markets to reach globally where possible.

Government and industry initiatives such as the Innovation Hub provided a fertile growing ground for new ideas, and must be applauded, although more investment is always needed.

Meanwhile, some industry stalwarts go from strength to strength, finding new products and new markets that help them form a stable base on which to build new growth.

There seems to be a sentiment around the ICT industry that predicts a revived expansion phase - something that, with the dynamic factors now present in our economy we can almost be assured of.

It looks to be a great year.

Roger Dawes is executive director of the Electronics Industry Federation (EIF) and executive director of the Computer Society. His views expressed in this article are personal.

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