Bhutan’s National Digital Strategy was unveiled during the last week’s ICT industry meeting organized by the national GovTech Agency and represents a significant leap in country’s digital ambitions. This ambitious plan, branded as ‘Digital Bhutan,’ aims to transform the socio-economic fabric of the country through a focus on three main pillars: digital economy, digital society, and digital governance. And indeed, a total of 79 participants from the private industries attended the meet and the Prime Minister joined the occasion as the main guest.
In the first place, Bhutan’s digital transformation agenda is set to revolutionize public service delivery, aiming for greater efficiency and a focus on citizen-centric solutions. With an allocation of Nu 5,148.19 million (USD 61,5 million), this initiative will enhance government operations, cut costs, and promote intelligent governance. Key components include data-driven decision-making, improved citizen engagement, and the advancement of open data initiatives to modernize governance across the nation.
Bhutan’s National Digital Strategy: Stimulating Economic Growth
Aligned with the 13th Five-Year Plan, Bhutan’s National Digital Strategy harnesses digital technologies to stimulate economic growth, improve productivity, and generate quality jobs, with the target of raising GDP to USD 5 billion by 2029. The digital economy strategy, with a budget of Nu 1,698.00 million, aims to add USD 300 million to GDP by 2029 and USD 600 million by 2034. Specifically, this strategy focuses on digitalizing key industries like agriculture and tourism, supporting digital businesses and innovation hubs, and fostering growth in the ICT sector through projects like the establishment of an IT park and the promotion of tech startups.
Central to the NDS is the goal of boosting Bhutan’s digital economy. By 2034, the strategy aims to add USD 600 million to the GDP, making up 6 percent of the total. This ambitious growth plan includes the creation of 5,000 new jobs by 2029, supported by various strategic initiatives.
Presently, a significant investment of Nu 10 billion under the 13th Plan will drive this transformation. This includes Nu 1,698 million for the digital economy, Nu 5,148.19 million for digital governance, Nu 610.65 million for a digital society, and Nu 2,542.34 million for essential enablers like digital infrastructure and cybersecurity.
Main Focus on Three Strategic Imperatives
The success of Bhutan’s National Digital Strategy relies on three strategic imperatives: digitalizing industries, strengthening the digital ecosystem, and growing the ICT sector. The initiatives cover a broad range of sectors, including automating forestry processes and streamlining trade services through the National Single Window project. There’s also a focus on digital advancements in agriculture, transport, healthcare, and environmental management.
Building a vibrant digital ecosystem is crucial, with efforts to support digital businesses, expand e-commerce, and enhance digital payment systems, promoting global market integration.
Furthermore, a key component of the strategy is the expansion of the ICT industry, and it includes nurturing tech startups, improving funding options, and building dedicated IT infrastructure. The planned 100-acre IT park will be vital in fostering technological innovation and enterprise.
Bhutan’s Rise in the eGovernment Development Index
Most compelling evidence is Bhutan’s rise in the eGovernment Development Index, from 152nd to 115th over the past decade, and is a testament to its progress in using digital platforms for efficient service delivery and citizen engagement. This improvement showcases the nation’s dedication to enhancing its digital governance, increasing transparency, and optimizing public services through innovative e-governance solutions.
Last, but not least, the GovTech Agency, along with various government and private sector partners, will lead the implementation of this ambitious agenda. This collaborative effort highlights Bhutan’s commitment to collective progress, leveraging shared expertise and resources to achieve the NDS’s goals.
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