Exploiting Web Based Electronic Publishing in the Service of Regional Development: Lessons from Experience

Government institutions, businesses and individual members of society at least in the developed world are increasingly required to become computer literate and knowledgeable about Web based electronic publishing. A key issue is what strategies can be employed to ensure that such skill development is achieved within a community and that the opportunities presented to a community by Web based electronic publishing are exploited to advantage? This paper addresses this question. Three case studies involving three distinct user groups SMEs, Local Government and members of the community are examined. Each applied the A.K.T.E.S framework: awareness raising, know-how transfer, trial and evaluation and support through software development and trained personnel. This framework is critically evaluated and lessons learned from our experience reported.