ICTs and Smart Systems

Four thrusts were identified as important for South Africa to optimally benefit from information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the future. In identifying these thrusts, the team that participated in the Foresight Exercise recognised two lines of thought. On the one hand, South Africa needs to address a backlog in the use of ICTs that results from the digital divide and poor implementation of basic information systems. On the other hand, there is a need to anticipate and prepare for exploiting new technologies, such as advanced data analytics, and understanding their impact on society. Two of the thrusts, ICT infrastructure and Internet access and smart and sustainable municipal service delivery, address the first of these, while the other two, big data, data analytics and decision support and checks and balances for a digital future, address the second. This chapter argues for the importance and expected benefits of these four thrusts, reviews some of the research already done in the areas and suggests areas where research is lacking. In addition to research, the nature of ICTs demands that attention be paid to innovation and to the practice of ICTs, including the use of technologies by individuals and their application in organisations. Thus, this chapter also examines these two aspects arguing that ongoing support for and research into innovation with ICTs and into the professional practice and use of ICTs are integral to understanding these thrusts and reaping their full benefits. The chapter ends with a set of recommendations as to activities that will support and develop each of the four thrusts.