(5) Smooth promotion of information infrastructure
Private telecommunications companies, local governments and residents should cooperate in promoting information infrastructures.
Local governments need a comprehensive, organized system under the leadership of the mayor.
1) Importance of plan for local information network
A local information network plan is important in implementing the information promotion policy. The process of drawing up the plan itself is important for government officials and residents because they participate in the plan and learn information technology and terminology.
2) Correspondence to technical advances
The use of external consultants and outsourcing should be considered to promote facilities that reflect the progress of rapidly advancing information technology.
Cooperation with private companies that have specialist knowledge and technology should always be maintained even if public organizations are the main participants in this field.
3) Wide-area promotion system
If several local governments cooperate in constructing a network over a wide area, it will result in a reduced fiscal burden and improved services for residents.
However as each local government has different policy goals and priorities, frequent meetings should be held to ensure smooth promotion of projects.
(6) Human resources for constructing local information infrastructure
As there are not always sufficient human resources for the promotion of information infrastructures, local governments should take comprehensive measures related to securing and training human resources from a long-term view.
1) Human resources
Local governments need technical specialists in information infrastructure and must train them through educational courses and exchange programmes.
Local residents are also expected to participate in developing the information improvement policy.